Boulder County DUI Court Guide

Upon receiving the "Express Consent Affidavit and Notice of Revocation" (the yellow slip) from the police, a driver arrested for DUI in Boulder County has exactly seven days to request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR).

DWI Court Procedures in Boulder County, Colorado: A Local Guide

This guide provides essential information about navigating the DWI (Driving While Intoxicated, also known as DUI) court process in Boulder County, Colorado. Understanding these procedures can help you navigate the legal challenges ahead.

Initial Steps After Arrest

Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle may be impounded. Marv's Quality Towing requires a "Current Government Photo ID" for vehicle release. If your ID is inside the impounded vehicle, you will need to obtain a temporary ID from the DMV or bring someone with a valid license to vouch for you. A "Current Registration" or "Clean Title" is also required. If you recently purchased the car and only have a signed-over title, you must rush to the DMV to process the transfer.

The Boulder County Jail, located at 3200 Airport Road, Boulder, CO 80301, is the central intake point. The Sheriff's Office advises that processing and release normally takes 4-6 hours, but this can vary depending on arrest volume. Be aware of shift changes (approximately 6:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 10:00 PM) when processing may temporarily halt.

A standard first-time DUI misdemeanor often carries a bond of $1,000. This can be paid via TouchPay Kiosks in the jail lobby (cash and cards, service fees apply) or remotely through AllPaid.

Navigating the Court System

DUI cases are primarily heard in the County Court divisions, such as Division 9 with Judge Zachary Malkinson. Be prepared for potential delays due to the "cattle call" scheduling system. While dress code isn't codified, avoid jeans, shorts, tank tops, or alcohol-branded attire.

Parking is available at the Justice Center at 1777 6th St, Boulder, CO 80302, in a lot on the southeast corner of 6th and Canyon or the lot east of 6th Street. Parking is free for the first hour downtown garages, then $1.75/hr. Arrive early, especially on Mondays, to account for security screening. Cell phones must be on silent, and photography is prohibited per Chief Justice Administrative Order 11-101.

Pretrial Supervision (RMOMS)

Judges may order random breath/urine testing or SCRAM bracelets managed by Community Justice Services (CJS) or Recovery Monitoring Solutions (RMOMS). The "color code" system requires calling a testing line daily (5:00 AM - 9:00 AM) to see if your assigned color is called. Testing centers have specific hours, and failure to test can result in a warrant. Tests cost $10-$30 each, and SCRAM bracelets cost $10-$15 per day.

The DMV Hearing

The Boulder DMV Driver License office at 2850 Iris Ave is closed. You must travel to Longmont or Golden, or email your hearing request to dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us within 7 days of receiving the "Express Consent Affidavit and Notice of Revocation". Request the law enforcement officer's presence on the request form. Hearings are conducted via Zoom or Google Meet.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

SmartStart has a partner location at 2360 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302 (Rob's Auto Repair). Intoxalock is another option to consider. Be aware of potential battery drain issues, especially in winter, and the need for rolling retests while driving.

The Boulder County Jail is located at 3200 Airport Road, Boulder, CO 80301.