Delta County Bail Information

Here's what to do if you're arrested for DUI in Delta County, Colorado, and how to navigate the bail process. Knowing the steps and specific details can significantly reduce stress and get you back on your feet.

Immediate Steps After a DUI Arrest in Delta County

After a DUI arrest, you'll be taken to the Delta County Detention Facility at 555 Palmer Street, Delta, CO 81416. The first hurdle is the "sobriety hold." Jail staff will hold you until your Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) drops to a safe level, usually below 0.02. This can take 4 to 8 hours, depending on your initial intoxication level. No bond can be posted until this hold is lifted.

Understanding the Booking Process and Fees

The booking process includes photographing, fingerprinting, and screening. Be prepared to pay a $20.00 booking fee and a $10.00 bond fee to the Sheriff's Office. These are non-negotiable administrative costs added to your bond amount.

Determining Your Bond Amount

Delta County uses a structured bond system influenced by the 7th Judicial District’s Administrative Order 2021-08, which emphasizes risk-based assessments.

• First Offense DUI: You might be released on a summons to a sober party. If booked, the standard bond is often a Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond or a cash/surety bond of $1,000.
• Second/Subsequent Offense: Monitored sobriety is a mandatory condition of bond.
• Driving Under Restraint (Alcohol): If your license was already revoked for prior alcohol offenses, the bond is typically set higher, around $3,000.

Paying Your Bond: Options and Timelines

You have several options for posting bond, each with its own timeline:

• Cash: Accepted at the jail kiosk (no personal checks).
• Credit Card: Available via SMARTDEPOSIT.com or the facility's QR code system. Be aware that credit card payments can take up to two business days to post to the inmate's account. A payment made Friday afternoon might not result in release until Tuesday.
• Bail Bondsmen: If you can't pay the full cash amount, commercial surety bail is an option. Agents like ASAP Bail Bonds (719-738-6500) or Bail City Bail Bonds (855-707-2245) post the full amount for a non-refundable premium (typically 10-15%).

Vehicle Impoundment and Release

After your arrest, your vehicle is likely impounded. Here's how to get it back:

1. Clear the Hold: Determine if the arresting agency (DCSO, DPD, or CSP) has placed a "police hold" on the vehicle. If so, go to the arresting agency (e.g., the Sheriff’s Office at 211 W 6th Street) to obtain a release form.
2. Verify Ownership: The tow company requires a valid government-issued photo ID and the vehicle’s current registration or title.
3. The Sober Driver Requirement: If your license was confiscated, you cannot drive the vehicle off the lot. You must be accompanied by a licensed, sober driver.
4. Payment: Full payment is expected. While Colorado law allows for partial payment in some private property tow scenarios, law enforcement impounds generally require full settlement.

Potential Delays: Jail Overcrowding

The Delta County Jail faces capacity constraints. If the facility is at capacity, an inmate sentenced to work release or jail time may have their sentence start date rescheduled by up to 14 days.

Navigating License Suspension and Restrictions

Colorado’s Express Consent laws mean your driver's license can be suspended immediately. Reinstatement often requires the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). Local installers like Western Slope Interlock can help, but be prepared for recurring calibration and lease fees.

Substance Abuse Trends and Enforcement

Delta County law enforcement is increasingly focused on polydrug use, particularly the combination of alcohol and Delta-9 THC. Officers are trained to identify impairment that doesn't trigger a standard breathalyzer failure.

Key Agencies and Jurisdictions

• Delta Police Department (DPD): Primary agency for arrests in the city limits, especially around Main Street and Palmer Street.
• Delta County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO): Jurisdiction over unincorporated areas, including agricultural zones around Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Crawford.
• Colorado State Patrol (CSP): Dominant force on state and federal highways, especially Hwy 50 and Hwy 92.

To start the process of reclaiming your vehicle after a DUI arrest, contact the Delta County Sheriff's Office at 970-874-2021 to determine if a hold has been placed on it.