Custer County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Custer County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Custer County presents unique challenges. Unlike urban areas, the legal process here involves navigating multiple jurisdictions and significant travel distances. With DUI filings by the Custer County Sheriff's Office recorded at 16 in 2021, and a rising trend in "refusal" cases requiring warrant-based blood draws, understanding the local nuances is crucial. This guide provides immediate, practical guidance on what to do next.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Custer County

If you've been arrested for DUI in Custer County, you're likely feeling overwhelmed. This guide will walk you through the immediate steps, critical deadlines, and local resources available to you. Due to Custer County's unique geography and resource distribution, the DUI process involves travel to neighboring Fremont County for detention, and possibly even further for rehabilitation services. This guide will help you navigate the system.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest: You will be arrested by either a Custer County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputy or a Colorado State Patrol (CSP) trooper. CCSO primarily patrols unincorporated areas and the municipalities of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, while CSP focuses on state highways like HWY 96, HWY 69, and HWY 165.
• Transport: Due to the closure of the Custer County Jail, you will be transported to the Fremont County Detention Center in Cañon City. This transport can take 3-4 hours, impacting law enforcement resources in Custer County.
• Booking: At the Fremont County Detention Center (100 Justice Center Road, Cañon City, CO 81212, Phone: 719-276-5555), you will be booked, which involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. Be prepared to pay a $30 booking fee.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after booking. Use this opportunity to contact family, a bail bondsman, or an attorney.
• Bail: Bail can be posted at the Fremont County Detention Center. A $10 bond fee applies. You can also make remote bond payments via Allpaid using PLC code a004w6. The specific bail amount will depend on the charges and your criminal history.
• Release: Once bail is posted, you will be released with a court date.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 7 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Request the hearing online via mydmv.colorado.gov or in writing.
• Court Appearance: The date for your first court appearance will be provided upon your release. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended automatically.

DUI Enforcement in Custer County

DUI enforcement in Custer County is a priority for both the CCSO and the CSP. The CSP often focuses on "The Heat Is On" campaigns during holidays and summer weekends when tourist traffic peaks. Due to limited staffing, CCSO deputies prioritize DUI enforcement, particularly on unlit, winding mountain roads like Highway 69. While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly available, expect increased patrols during peak seasons and holidays. The CSP also utilizes advanced roadside impairment detection (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Experts (DREs), contributing to a higher rate of DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) filings.

Local Resources

• Custer Combined Court: 205 S. 6th St., PO Box 60, Westcliffe, CO 81252. Phone: 719-783-2274. Fax: 719-735-1706. Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed Wed, Fri).
• Fremont County Detention Center: 100 Justice Center Road, Cañon City, CO 81212. Phone: 719-276-5555. (Where you will likely be booked).
• Baltzly Towing LLC: Westcliffe, CO. Phone: 719-783-3360. (Primary towing provider for law enforcement tows).
• Cañon City Driver License Office: 127 Justice Center Road, Suite K, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Nearest full-service DMV office).
• Interlock Installers: , 1316 Elm Ave, Cañon City, CO 81212. Phone: 719-359-4287
• SCRAM Monitoring: Intervention, Inc., 136 Justice Center Rd, Suite 104, Cañon City, CO 81212. Phone: 719-429-3945
• DUI Attorneys: (General info, no specific recommendations. Research and contact attorneys experienced in Custer County DUI cases.)

What Makes Custer County Different

Custer County's DUI process is uniquely challenging due to its rural nature and decentralized legal infrastructure. Here's what sets it apart:

• "Rural Penalty": The cost of a DUI, in terms of travel time, vehicle recovery, and access to mandated services, is significantly higher than in urban areas.
• Jail Desert: The closure of the Custer County Jail means you will be transported to Fremont County for detention, adding to the processing time and logistical complexity.
• Poly-Drug Enforcement: Due to the aging population and prevalence of prescription medications, law enforcement is increasingly focused on DUID cases involving prescription drugs and poly-substance use. Deputies are trained to detect impairment beyond alcohol.
• Indigency Trap: The economic burden of a DUI, exceeding $13,500 including fines, fees, towing, and insurance hikes, is particularly difficult for Custer County residents, especially given the lack of alternative transportation options.
• Towing Costs: Be aware of the towing fees associated with impoundment. As of February 2026, Baltzly Towing LLC's PUC rates include a maximum base tow fee of $245.32, a maximum hourly rate for law enforcement-ordered tows of $279.78, a mileage rate of $3.80, a fuel surcharge of $0.25, a daily storage fee of $47.12, an after-hours fee of $103.70, and a notification fee of $75.00.

To start addressing your vehicle impoundment, contact Baltzly Towing LLC at 719-783-3360.