Archuleta County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Archuleta 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 Archuleta 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.
The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office manages the Archuleta County Detention Facility, making them the custodians of the entire post-arrest process regardless of which agency initiated the stop. The facility is located at 125 Harman Park Drive in Pagosa Springs.
DUI Bail Options in Archuleta County
If you've been arrested for DUI in Archuleta County, Colorado, understanding your bail options is crucial for a swift release. The Archuleta County Detention Facility processes all DUI arrests in the county, regardless of whether the arrest was made by the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office, the Pagosa Springs Police Department, or the Colorado State Patrol.
Local Bond Options
Several bond types exist in Archuleta County, but eligibility depends on the specifics of your case.
- Personal Recognizance (PR) Bonds: For first-time DUI offenses without injuries, the Sheriff often has the authority to grant a PR bond (signature bond) once sobriety is established. This allows release without paying cash bail.
- Cash/Surety Bonds: If a monetary bond is set due to factors like a DUI with injury, prior offenses, or outstanding warrants, payment is required.
Where to Post Bail
Bail for DUI arrests in Archuleta County is posted at:
Archuleta County Detention Facility 125 Harman Park Drive Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Payment Methods
- GovPayNow: The detention facility utilizes GovPayNow for online credit card payments. Note that this system charges a service fee (often 5-10%).
- Bail Bondsmen: Several bail bond agents serve Archuleta County. Some offer remote processes where a co-signer in another state can sign via Adobe Sign and pay via credit card.
Release Timeline
Posting bail does not guarantee immediate release in Archuleta County. Administrative Order 2020-13 dictates that "The jail shall not release any intoxicated arrestees until they are sober." If your BAC is high (e.g., 0.15+), you might bond out (pay the money), but the jail will hold you until you blow 0.00 on a portable breath test (PBT). This can take 6 to 10 hours, depending on your metabolic rate.
Inmate Life Friction (If Detained)
If you are unable to bond out immediately, visitation is strictly limited to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. You must call ahead to schedule; walk-ins are turned away. Call (970) 264-8474 to arrange visitation authorization.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Archuleta County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety