Delta County Vehicle Impound Guide

Here's what to do if your vehicle is impounded after a DUI arrest in Delta County, Colorado.

Understanding Delta County DUI Impound Procedures

If you're arrested for DUI in Delta County, Colorado, your vehicle will likely be impounded. Knowing the process for getting it back can save you time and money. The rules and costs can be confusing, but this guide will help you navigate the system.

Where Your Car Might Be

Depending on which agency made the arrest, your car could be at different impound lots. The Delta Police Department (DPD), Delta County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) all operate within the county, and each has its own procedures. A common impound location is D&S Towing. It's critical to determine which agency initiated the arrest to understand the next steps.

Step 1: Clearing the Police Hold

The first thing you need to do is find out if the arresting agency has placed a "police hold" on your vehicle. This is common if the DUI involved an accident, injury, or other serious charges. If there's a hold, you must get a release form from the arresting agency before the tow company will release your car.

• Delta County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO): If the Sheriff's Office made the arrest, go to their office at 555 Palmer Street, Delta, CO 81416 to request the release form.
• Delta Police Department (DPD): If the Delta Police Department made the arrest, contact them directly for instructions on obtaining a release.
• Colorado State Patrol (CSP): If the Colorado State Patrol made the arrest, contact their local office for release procedures.

Without this release, the tow company is legally prohibited from releasing your vehicle.

Step 2: Proving Ownership

Once you have the release form (if required), you'll need to prove you own the vehicle. The tow company will require:

• A valid government-issued photo ID.
• The vehicle’s current registration or title.

If your registration is locked inside the impounded vehicle, you can request a one-time "property retrieval" visit to get it. This will be supervised by tow company staff.

Step 3: The Sober Driver Requirement

If your driver's license was confiscated due to Colorado’s Express Consent laws (which happens automatically in many DUI cases), you cannot drive the vehicle off the lot. The tow operator will verify this to avoid liability. You must have a licensed, sober driver with you to drive the car away. If you don't, the vehicle will remain impounded, and you'll continue to accrue storage fees.

Step 4: Paying the Impound Fees

Be prepared to pay the impound fees in full. While Colorado law offers some consumer protections allowing partial payment in certain private property tow situations, law enforcement impounds generally require full payment. Expect to pay with cash or a major credit card. Personal checks are almost always refused. Daily storage fees add up quickly, so prompt action is essential.

Jail and Bond Logistics: What to Expect

After the arrest, you'll be processed through the Delta County Detention Facility, located at 555 Palmer Street, Delta, CO 81416. The phone number is 970-874-2021.

The Sobriety Hold

The jail will hold you until your Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) drops to zero or a safe level (usually below 0.02). This "drying out" period can last 4 to 8 hours, depending on your initial intoxication level. You cannot post bond until this hold is lifted.

Fees

The Sheriff's Office charges a $20.00 booking fee and a $10.00 bond fee. These are in addition to the bond amount itself.

Bond Amounts

Bond amounts in Delta County are influenced by the 7th Judicial District’s Administrative Order 2021-08, which emphasizes risk-based assessments.

• First Offense DUI: Expect a Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond or a cash/surety bond of around $1,000.
• Second/Subsequent Offense: Monitored sobriety is usually a mandatory condition of bond.
• Driving Under Restraint (Alcohol): If your license was already revoked for prior alcohol offenses, the bond will be higher, typically around $3,000.

Paying Bond

You can pay bond in Delta County in a few ways:

• Cash: Accepted at the jail kiosk (no personal checks).
• Credit Card: Pay online 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.
• Bail Bondsmen: Contact ASAP Bail Bonds (719-738-6500) or Bail City Bail Bonds (855-707-2245) to post the full amount for a non-refundable premium (typically 10-15%).

Important Contact Information

• Delta County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO): 555 Palmer Street, Delta, CO 81416, 970-874-2021
• Delta County Detention Facility: 555 Palmer Street, Delta, CO 81416, 970-874-2021
• ASAP Bail Bonds: 719-738-6500
• Bail City Bail Bonds: 855-707-2245

Knowing these steps and having the right information will help you navigate the impound process and get your vehicle back as quickly as possible. Start by contacting the Delta County Sheriff's Office at 970-874-2021 to determine if a police hold exists on your vehicle.