Dolores County Bail Information

Understanding Bail After a DUI Arrest in Dolores County, Colorado

If you've been arrested for DUI in Dolores County, Colorado, you're likely concerned about bail. Unlike larger cities, Dolores County operates within a unique legal landscape due to its rural setting and partnership with the 22nd Judicial District. Understanding how bail works here is crucial. The Dolores County Sheriff's Office is located at 409 N. Main Street in Dove Creek, and is the primary law enforcement agency within the county.

Initial Appearance and Bail Setting

After an arrest by the Dolores County Sheriff's Office or the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), you'll be taken to the Montezuma County Detention Center in Cortez, as Dolores County does not have its own holding facility. Your first court appearance, also known as an arraignment, will be held at the Dolores Combined Court in Dove Creek. At this hearing, the judge will formally advise you of the charges against you and your rights. This is also when bail will be set.

Bail is essentially a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. The amount of bail is determined by several factors, including:

• The Severity of the Offense: A first-time DUI is typically a misdemeanor, while repeat offenses or DUIs involving serious bodily injury can be felonies.
• Your Criminal History: A prior criminal record, especially one involving failures to appear in court, can lead to a higher bail amount.
• Your Ties to the Community: Factors like local residence, employment, and family connections can demonstrate that you are not a flight risk and may result in a lower bail.

While Colorado doesn't have a statewide uniform bail schedule specifically for DUIs, judges often refer to general bond schedules as guidelines. These schedules assign presumptive bail amounts to different types of offenses.

Paying Bail in Dolores County

If bail is set, you have several options for securing your release:

1. Cash Bail: You can pay the full bail amount in cash to the Montezuma County Combined Court. This money will be returned to you (minus any court fees) once your case is resolved, provided you attend all required court appearances.
2. Surety Bond: Most people use a bail bondsman. A bail bondsman charges a non-refundable premium, typically 10-15% of the total bail amount. For example, if your bail is set at $2,000, you would pay the bondsman $200-$300. The bondsman then guarantees the full bail amount to the court. Several bail bond companies serve the Cortez area, including Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds and ASAP Bail Bonds.
3. Property Bond: In some cases, the court may allow you to secure your release by pledging real property as collateral. This process involves demonstrating that you own property with sufficient equity to cover the bail amount. This option is less common and requires court approval.

Important Considerations:

• Cost: Remember that even a misdemeanor DUI can result in total costs exceeding $13,500, including fines, legal fees, increased insurance premiums, and the cost of an ignition interlock device.
• Transportation: If you are released from the Montezuma County Detention Center, you will need to arrange transportation back to Dolores County, which is a 30-40 mile drive.
• 22nd Judicial District: The 22nd Judicial District encompasses both Dolores and Montezuma Counties. Many court-related services are based in Cortez, requiring travel for hearings, probation appointments, and other mandatory procedures.

What to Do After Posting Bail

Once you've posted bail, it's critical to adhere to the following:

• Attend All Court Appearances: Failure to appear in court will result in the forfeiture of your bail and the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.
• Comply with Bond Conditions: The court may impose additional conditions on your release, such as abstaining from alcohol or drugs, submitting to drug testing, or attending counseling. Violating these conditions can lead to your re-arrest and revocation of bail.
• Contact an Attorney Immediately: Navigating the DUI process in Dolores County can be challenging. An experienced DUI attorney can protect your rights, explain your options, and represent you in court.

Finding Legal Assistance

Several attorneys serve Dolores County and the surrounding areas. Shipp Law offers DUI representation in Dove Creek.

Next Steps:

If you've been arrested for DUI in Dolores County, your immediate priority should be securing your release from jail. Contact a bail bondsman in Cortez to explore your options for posting bail. Once you are released, contact a qualified DUI attorney to begin building your defense. You can reach the Dolores Combined Court at (970) 677-2332 to confirm court dates and times.