Chaffee County License Hearing Guide

If you're facing a DUI arrest in Chaffee County, Colorado, understanding the local procedures can significantly ease the stress and logistical challenges. Unlike urban areas, Chaffee County presents unique hurdles due to its rural nature and centralized judicial infrastructure in Salida. Here's a guide to navigating the DMV and related processes after a DUI arrest.

Initial Steps After Arrest: The "Geographic Tax"

Following a DUI arrest by the Buena Vista Police Department (BVPD) or the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) in northern Chaffee County, you'll be transported approximately 25 miles south to the Chaffee County Detention Center in Salida. This "geographic tax" means you'll be booked in Salida, potentially leaving you stranded far from your vehicle and temporary lodging upon release.

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

Your vehicle will likely be impounded. Here's how to get it back:

1. Identify the Tow Yard: The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) primarily uses A-1 Towing (719-539-6200) and Gunsmoke Towing. Confirm the tow destination with the arresting trooper or CSP dispatch (*CSP).

2. Check for a "Police Hold": Before going to the tow yard, contact the arresting agency's Records Division to determine if a "police hold" exists. This hold prevents the tow yard from releasing your vehicle. Call:

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

1. Obtain a Release Slip: If a hold exists, you must visit the police station or sheriff's office in person, present your ID and proof of ownership, pay any administrative release fees (often around $150), and obtain a hard-copy "Release Slip."

2. Retrieve Your Vehicle: Present the Release Slip to the tow operator. You'll also need:

• Valid Driver's License (or temporary permit if your DL was seized).
• Current Vehicle Registration (or title).
• Proof of Valid Insurance (must be current).
• Cash or payment for all fees. While credit cards are accepted, cash is recommended to avoid potential delays due to connectivity issues.

1. Third-Party Retrieval: If you're still in jail, a friend or spouse can't pick up your car without a Notarized Letter of Authorization. This letter must include:

• Your full name (the owner).
• The full name of the authorized third party.
• The vehicle's Make, Model, License Plate, and VIN.
• Your signature, notarized.
• Fax or email this document to the tow yard in advance to ensure it meets their specific criteria.

Important Towing Tips:

• Lunch Hour Blackout: Tow yards often close for lunch (e.g., 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM). Call ahead to confirm staff is present.
• Snowbird Laws: In winter, vehicles left on the shoulder may be towed for snow removal. Don't leave your car at the scene if snow is forecasted.

Jail Release and Bail Bonds

The Chaffee County Detention Center handles all releases. Booking typically takes 1-2 hours, but release processing can add another 2-4 hours, depending on staffing.

The "Sober Release" Mandate: You will not be released until your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) drops 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.

DUI Enforcement Patterns in Chaffee County

Law enforcement in Chaffee County favors high-visibility saturation patrols over static sobriety checkpoints. These patrols are often grant-funded under the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) "The Heat Is On" campaign. Expect heightened enforcement during:

• Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day ("100 Deadliest Days of Summer").
• Fourth of July.
• New Year’s Eve (late December through January 2nd).
• Winter Blitz (January, focusing on ski traffic).

Navigating the Legal Process

Chaffee County's DUI enforcement is strict, and the 11th Judicial District aggressively prosecutes impaired driving cases. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is the dominant agency for highway enforcement (US 50, 285, 24), while the Salida Police Department (SPD) focuses on the municipal grid of Salida, particularly the downtown entertainment district along F Street and Highway 50. The Buena Vista Police Department (BVPD) patrols the northern municipal zones. The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) covers the vast unincorporated areas and county roads (CR).

To verify if there is a hold on your vehicle, call the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 719-539-2596.