Archuleta County License Hearing Guide
How to request your Administrative License Hearing and protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.
Last verified: January 27, 2026
15-Day Deadline
You have exactly 15 days from your arrest to request a hearing. Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended. No exceptions.
Enter your arrest date to see your deadline:
If You Request in Time
- • Temporary permit until hearing
- • Chance to keep your license
- • Gather evidence for defense
If You Miss the Deadline
- • Automatic 90-180 day suspension
- • No hearing, no appeal
- • Starts after waiting period
How to Request Your Hearing
Online Request
Fee: Typically $50-$125
Available: 24/7
Instant confirmation
Phone Request
Fee: Same as online
Hours: Business hours only
Expect hold times
Information You'll Need
From Your Notice:
- • Driver License Number
- • Date of Arrest
- • Arresting Agency
- • Arresting Officer Name
Personal Information:
- • Full Legal Name
- • Current Address
- • Date of Birth
- • Phone Number & Email
After You Request
Temporary Permit
ImmediateDrive legally until your hearing
Hearing Notice
20-40 daysDate, time, and format mailed to you
Prepare Defense
Before hearingGather evidence, hire attorney
Attend Hearing
Scheduled dateUsually phone or video
Decision
Same dayWin: keep license. Lose: suspension starts
Temporary Permit
Immediate
Drive until hearing
Hearing Notice
20-40 days
Date mailed to you
Prepare
Before hearing
Gather evidence
Attend Hearing
Scheduled
Phone or video
Decision
Same day
Win or suspension
What to Expect at the Hearing
Most hearings are by phone or video
You usually don't need to travel. When you receive your hearing notice, it will specify whether it's phone, video, or in-person.
Duration
30-60 minutes typically
Who's There
You, your attorney (optional), state attorney, hearing officer
What They Review
Probable cause for stop, proper arrest procedure, test validity
Evidence That Can Help
- Dashcam or bodycam footage showing procedural errors
- Breathalyzer calibration records (if not current)
- Witness statements about your sobriety
- Medical conditions affecting field sobriety tests
Should You Hire an Attorney?
With an Attorney
- Can subpoena arresting officer
- Knows how to challenge evidence
- Uses hearing to strengthen criminal defense
- Higher success rate at hearings
Without an Attorney
- State has experienced attorney present
- May not know proper objections
- Can't effectively cross-examine officers
- Lower win rate statistically
If You Lose Your Hearing
Losing the hearing isn't the end. You still have options to maintain limited driving privileges:
Ignition Interlock
Drive with device installed
Occupational License
Limited driving for work/essentials
FAQ
Related Guides
The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) manages the Archuleta County Detention Facility, making them custodians of the post-DUI arrest process. If you've been arrested for DUI in Archuleta County, Colorado, your driver's license is likely at risk of suspension. You have a limited time – just 15 days – to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge this suspension.
What is an ALR Hearing?
An ALR hearing is a separate administrative process from your criminal DUI case. It focuses specifically on whether the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) has sufficient evidence to suspend your driving privileges following a DUI arrest.
Requesting Your ALR Hearing in Archuleta County
To preserve your right to challenge the suspension of your driver's license, you MUST request an ALR hearing within 15 calendar days of your DUI arrest. Failing to do so results in an automatic license suspension.
Deadline is Critical: Mark your calendar! Missed deadlines can be devastating to your ability to drive legally.
The DOR hearing request is NOT filed with the Archuleta County Court, but rather with the Colorado Department of Revenue. While specific methods may vary, the general process involves contacting the Colorado DMV. Because digital fluency is not universal in Archuleta County with a median age of 52.2 years, be sure you have assistance if needed.
Where Will Your Hearing Be Held?
The executive abstract states the bifurcation of administrative and criminal adjudication between Pagosa Springs and Lakewood. The exact location of ALR hearings stemming from Archuleta County arrests will likely be determined by the Colorado Department of Revenue. Be sure to verify the specific location when you receive your hearing notice.
What Happens if Your License is Suspended?
If you lose your ALR hearing or fail to request one within 15 days, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension depends on various factors, including prior DUI offenses and your blood alcohol content (BAC).
Limited Driving Privileges
You may be eligible for a restricted driver's license during the suspension period, allowing you to drive to and from work, school, or alcohol treatment programs. Consult with an attorney about your eligibility. With the demographic of Archuleta County being lower income with the lack of transit, this is helpful to consider.
Getting Your License Back
After the suspension period, you will need to reinstate your license with the Colorado DOR. This typically involves paying a reinstatement fee and potentially completing other requirements, such as an alcohol education program.
You can drop off prescription meds, glasses, or medical devices, but this requires prior approval from the Detention Commander.18 A deputy at the window cannot unilaterally accept them. This requires a phone call to (970) 264-8474 during business hours to arrange the authorization.
Sources
- Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles / Public Safety
- Colorado Administrative Code - License Suspension Procedures
Last updated: January 27, 2026
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