Alamosa County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Alamosa County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Alamosa County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
Upon a DUI arrest in Alamosa County, the vehicle is seized, and it's critical to determine if a "Law Enforcement Hold" has been placed on it.
Vehicle Impoundment after a DUI in Alamosa County
Following a DUI arrest in Alamosa County, your vehicle will likely be impounded. Unlike a parking violation, a DUI arrest typically leads to a non-consensual tow because the driver is arrested and the vehicle cannot be left unattended on a public road.
Alamosa County utilizes a rotation list for non-consensual tows, ensuring fair distribution of business among local towing companies. When an officer requests a tow, dispatch notifies the next company on the list. This means you generally don't get to choose the tow company after a DUI arrest.
After release from jail, many defendants struggle to locate their impounded vehicle. Contacting the arresting agency's dispatch or records division is the first step to identifying the towing company.
Law Enforcement Hold
A critical issue is whether a "Law Enforcement Hold" has been placed on the vehicle. In DUI cases involving accidents, injuries, or felony charges (like Vehicular Assault), the vehicle may be held as evidence. If a hold is in place, the tow yard cannot release the vehicle, even with payment. You must first contact the arresting agency’s Evidence or Records Division to obtain a written release.
Alamosa County Jail Information
The Alamosa County Jail is located at 1315 17th Street in Alamosa. Sheriff Robert Jackson oversees the facility. You can contact the jail at 719.589.6608.
Alamosa County Bail Bonds
Legal Rights Related to Posting Bond
The Alamosa County Sheriff's Office provides information on legal rights related to posting money bond, pursuant to Section 16-4-102, CRS, at 1315 17th Street Alamosa, Colorado 81101, or by calling 719.589.6608.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in Alamosa
For many DUI offenders in Alamosa, particularly those with high BACs or prior offenses, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is mandatory for license reinstatement.
Local IID Providers
Backroads LLC, located at 1825 State Ave #15 in Alamosa, appears to be a primary installer for multiple brands, including Smart Start and Intoxalock. Thunder Motor Co, at 7302 Rodeo Lane installs Intoxalock. Smart Start at Backroads LLC boasts a 4.7/5 rating.
"Winter Factor"
The San Luis Valley's extreme cold can significantly impact IID performance. IIDs draw power from the car battery to keep the sensor warm, which can drain the battery overnight in sub-zero temperatures. Dead batteries can prevent the car from starting.
IID Costs
- Installation: ~$150 (varies by vehicle complexity).
- Monthly Lease: ~$70 - $100 per month.
Backroads LLC is the logistical nexus for interlock services in the San Luis Valley, located at 1825 State Ave.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Alamosa County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety