Chaffee County Court Process

Here's what to do if you're facing a DUI charge in Chaffee County, Colorado, where the centralized court system in Salida presents unique challenges.

Understanding Chaffee County's DUI Landscape

Chaffee County's DUI enforcement is heavily influenced by its location as a tourism hub traversed by US Highways 24, 50, and 285. This means a significant number of DUI arrests involve out-of-county residents. The county's geography, split between Salida and Buena Vista, creates logistical hurdles. If arrested in Buena Vista, expect to be transported approximately 25 miles south to the Combined Court and Detention Center in Salida for processing. This can leave you stranded far from your vehicle and lodging.

In 2023, the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) alone recorded 39 DUI arrests, and that doesn't include arrests by Salida PD, Buena Vista PD, or the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), which patrols the highways. Law enforcement agencies, particularly CSP, often conduct saturation patrols funded by CDOT's "The Heat Is On" campaign, especially during Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day ("100 Deadliest Days of Summer"), the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and winter ski season. Expect increased vigilance during these times.

Vehicle Impound and Release: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your vehicle is impounded after a DUI arrest, understanding the release process is crucial. CSP troopers typically use A-1 Towing (719-539-6222) or Gunsmoke Towing as their standard rotation tow companies. However, CSP troopers have discretion and may utilize other regional rotation tows if local providers are unavailable or if specialized recovery is required. Always confirm the tow destination with the trooper or by calling CSP dispatch (*CSP).

Navigating the "Police Hold":

1. Do NOT go to the tow yard first.
2. Contact the Arresting Agency: Call the Records Division of the agency that made the arrest:

• Salida Police Department (SPD): 719-530-2600
• Chaffee County Sheriff's Office (CCSO): 719-539-2596
• Colorado State Patrol (CSP): *CSP

1. Verify Status: Ask specifically: "Is there a hold on my vehicle?"
2. Obtain Release: If a hold exists, you must physically go to the police station or sheriff's office, show ID/ownership, pay any administrative release fees (often around $150), and obtain a hard-copy "Release Slip."
3. Go to Tow Yard: Present the Release Slip to the tow operator.

Required Documents for Vehicle Release:

• Valid Driver's License (or temporary permit if DL was seized).
• Current Vehicle Registration (or title).
• Proof of Valid Insurance (must be current; if expired, the car cannot be driven off the lot and must be towed out).
• Cash/Payment for all fees.

Third-Party Vehicle Retrieval: If someone else needs to pick up your vehicle while you're in jail, you must provide a Notarized Letter of Authorization. This letter must:

• State your full name.
• Authorize the specific third party (full name) to retrieve the vehicle.
• Identify the vehicle by Make, Model, License Plate, and VIN.
• Be signed and notarized.

Fax or email this document to the tow yard in advance to ensure it meets their specific criteria.

Impound "Gold Dust":

• Rural businesses, including tow yards, often close strictly for lunch (e.g., 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM). Always call ahead to confirm the staff is present.
• While credit cards are technically accepted, bringing cash is the only way to guarantee a swift transaction and avoid card surcharges.
• In winter, vehicles left on the shoulder can be towed for snow removal operations.

Jail Release and Bail Bonds

After arrest, you'll be taken to the Chaffee County Detention Center in Salida. Booking typically takes 1-2 hours, but release processing can take an additional 2-4 hours depending on staffing levels. You will not be released until your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) has dropped to a "safe" level (typically 0.00% or below 0.02%). If arrested with a high BAC (e.g., 0.18%), you may be held for 8-12 hours solely to metabolize the alcohol.

Bail Schedule:

• DUI (1st Offense): $1,000 Cash, Surety, or PR.
• DUI (2nd Offense / Prior Convictions): $1,000 - $3,000. A second offense often triggers a mandatory condition of Monitored Sobriety (check-ins or ankle monitor) as a condition of bond.
• DWAI: $800.
• DUR (Driving Under Restraint - Alcohol): $3,000.

Bond Payment Methods:

• Cash: Must be exact change.
• Credit Card: Accepted via third-party processors (e.g., AllPaid/GovPay) but incurs a service fee of ~3.5%.
• Bondsman: A surety bond requires a non-refundable fee (premium), typically 10-15% of the bond amount.

If a monitored sobriety device is required, contact Intervention Inc. to set up the device before release. The Chaffee County Detention Center is located at 641 Field Ave, Salida, CO 81201.