Clear Creek County Vehicle Impound Guide

Navigating a DUI Impound in Clear Creek County: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI in Clear Creek County, Colorado, your vehicle was almost certainly impounded. Unlike Denver, where street parking is an option, the I-70 corridor doesn't allow for unattended vehicles. Retrieving your car requires navigating a specific process with associated costs. This guide provides a detailed breakdown to help you through it.

Understanding the Clear Creek County DUI Landscape

Clear Creek County presents unique challenges for DUI defendants. Located along the busy I-70 corridor, the county sees a high volume of traffic enforcement, often involving non-residents. This "pass-through" dynamic means you're likely facing logistical hurdles beyond just the legal charges. The county's geography and limited resources, like in-county interlock providers and public transit, add to the complexity.

Identifying the Towing Company: Your First Step

Don't assume you know where your car is. The first thing you need to do is call the non-emergency dispatch number: 303-980-7300. This will confirm which towing company has your vehicle. Law enforcement uses a rotation of private companies based on the location of the arrest (mile marker).

Primary Towing Providers in Clear Creek County

While the specific company depends on the location of the stop, here are some of the primary towing providers you might encounter:

Calculating the Costs: Towing and Storage Fees

Be prepared for significant expenses. Towing in the mountains is regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), but "incident management" tows (like those from a DUI arrest on a highway) allow for higher rates.

• Base Rate: Approximately $279.78 per hour for vehicles under 10,000 lbs. This "hook fee" covers the truck and driver.
• Storage Fees: $47.12 to $58.13 per 24-hour period. These fees accrue daily, including weekends, even if the lot is closed for release.
• After-Hours Release Fee: Approximately $103.70. This applies if you pick up the vehicle outside of standard business hours (usually M-F, 8-5).
• Notification Fee: $75 - $150. This covers the cost of the certified letter the tow company sends to the owner/lienholder if the vehicle remains unclaimed for a set period (usually 2+ days).

Example: If your car was towed Friday night and you pick it up Monday morning, expect to pay between $500 and $800, depending on mileage and storage days.

Preparing for Release: Required Documentation

Before heading to the tow yard, confirm there is no "Police Hold" on the vehicle. This is more likely if the DUI involved an accident or injury. Call the non-emergency dispatch (303-980-7300) to verify.

When you go to retrieve your vehicle, you must bring the following:

• Valid Photo ID: For the registered owner.
• Proof of Ownership: Current Registration or Title.
• Valid Insurance: A current insurance card/policy for the specific vehicle is mandatory to drive it off the lot.
• Valid Driver: If your license was seized/revoked at the time of arrest, you cannot drive the vehicle away. You must bring a licensed second driver or have the vehicle towed out.

Property Retrieval Rights

You are legally entitled to retrieve "life-essential" personal property (prescription meds, child seats, wallets, phones) from the vehicle without paying the full tow bill immediately. However, the vehicle itself will be held until payment.

Navigating the Clear Creek County Courthouse

Your DUI case will be adjudicated at the Clear Creek County Courthouse, located at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444. The phone number is (303) 569-0820.

The courthouse is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Note that the clerk's office is closed daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Thursday of each month for staff meetings. All entrants pass through metal detectors, and firearms are prohibited.

Understanding Bond Schedules

While judges have discretion, standard bond schedules provide a baseline. Expect to pay $500 to $1,000 for a first or second DUI/DWAI offense without injury. Felony DUI bonds (3+ priors) or Vehicular Assault can range from $2,000 to $50,000.

Next Steps

After retrieving your vehicle, your next step is to contact the Clear Creek County Combined Court at (303) 569-0820 to confirm your court date and understand the next steps in the judicial process.