Douglas County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Douglas County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Douglas County, Colorado can feel overwhelming. The good news is that understanding the process and acting quickly can significantly improve your situation. Douglas County law enforcement actively targets impaired driving through data-driven enforcement and grant-funded programs like CDOT's "The Heat Is On," especially during high-risk periods like Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, and New Year's Eve. This guide provides a practical overview of what to expect and the immediate steps you need to take.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Douglas County

After a DUI arrest in Douglas County, you'll face a complex process involving criminal court and administrative actions that impact your driving privileges. This guide will walk you through the immediate steps, critical deadlines, and key aspects of navigating the Douglas County legal system, including information about bail, court proceedings, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

After being arrested for DUI in Douglas County, here's a typical timeline of what to expect:

• Arrest and Field Sobriety Tests: The arresting officer, often from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) or Castle Rock Police Department (CRPD), will administer Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) like the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk and Turn (WAT), and One Leg Stand (OLS). Remember that roadside conditions can affect the validity of these tests.
• Chemical Testing: You'll be asked to submit to a breath or blood test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). Colorado's Express Consent Law requires you to choose one. Breath tests are administered using the Intoxilyzer 9000 at the detention facility or police stations. Blood tests require a phlebotomist, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) provides free toxicology testing. Refusal to submit to a test will result in immediate license revocation.
• Transportation to Jail: You will be transported to the Robert A. Christensen Justice Center, located at 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109.
• Booking Process:
• Sally Port: Secure entry for law enforcement.
• Medical Screen: Immediate assessment by nursing staff. Intoxicated individuals may be placed in a "detox cell" until sober.
• Processing: Fingerprints, mugshots (which are public record), and property inventory.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. Use this opportunity to contact a loved one or an attorney.
• Bail: Douglas County utilizes a bond schedule for standard DUI offenses, allowing for release without seeing a judge, provided you meet risk criteria.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences. Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have ONLY 7 DAYS from the date of your arrest to request an Express Consent Hearing to contest the revocation of your driver's license. This request must be made in writing at a Driver License Office (e.g., Castle Rock Motor Vehicle, 301 Wilcox St) or online if eligible.
• Court Appearance: The date for your first court appearance will be on the paperwork you receive upon release.
• Pretrial Supervision Reporting: If placed on Pretrial Release Supervision, you must report to Community Justice Services (CJS) at 4000 Justice Way, Suite 1801, within 24 hours of release.

DUI Enforcement in Douglas County

Douglas County actively enforces DUI laws, using both saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints.

• E-470 Toll Plaza Checkpoint: A signature tactic is the use of sobriety checkpoints at the E-470 Toll Plaza, typically running from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on designated weekends.
• Saturation Patrols: Saturation patrols target specific zones, including:
• Lincoln Avenue Corridor (connecting I-25 to Parker).
• Highlands Ranch Parkway.
• Plum Creek Parkway (accessing downtown Castle Rock).
• "The Heat Is On" Campaign: Agencies participate heavily in CDOT's "The Heat Is On" campaign, which provides funding for overtime shifts during high-risk periods.

Local Resources

• Douglas County Detention Facility (DCDF): 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109. Phone: 303-660-7550 (Booking).
• Community Justice Services (CJS): 4000 Justice Way, Suite 1801, Castle Rock, CO.
• Castle Rock Motor Vehicle: 301 Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO.
• Westside Towing, Inc.: 1040 Atchison Court, Castle Rock, CO 80109. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on weekends and federal holidays.
• Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO): 303-660-7500.
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info, no specific recommendations - search online for "bail bonds Douglas County CO")
• DUI Attorneys: (General info, no specific recommendations - search online for "DUI attorney Douglas County CO")

What Makes Douglas County Different

Douglas County has specific aspects to its DUI enforcement and legal processes that are important to understand:

• E-470 Toll Plaza Checkpoints: Be aware of sobriety checkpoints at the E-470 Toll Plaza, a common tactic used by Douglas County law enforcement.
• Westside Towing Monopoly: If your vehicle is impounded, it will likely be towed to Westside Towing, Inc. Note that the facility is closed on weekends and federal holidays, which can cause delays and additional storage fees.
• Strict Release Protocol: Retrieving your vehicle from Westside Towing requires specific documentation, including a valid government photo ID, proof of ownership, and proof of valid insurance. If your license is revoked, you must have a licensed driver with you to drive the vehicle off the lot.
• HB 25-1015 Impact: Douglas County jails cannot hold defendants solely for the non-payment of administrative fees (booking fees, bond surcharges).
• Bond Schedule: For standard DUI offenses, Douglas County utilizes a bond schedule that allows for release without seeing a judge, provided the defendant meets risk criteria.
• Judicial Style: Judges in the 23rd Judicial District, like Judge Lawrence Bowling and Judge Kolony Fields, are known for their adherence to procedure and strict sentencing philosophies, especially for repeat offenders.
• Prosecution Strategy: The District Attorney's office is less inclined to offer "standard" plea deals, and prosecutors often seek supervised probation with active monitoring, even for first offenses.
• The 24-Hour Rule: If released on Pretrial Release Supervision, you MUST report to Community Justice Services (CJS) at 4000 Justice Way, Suite 1801, within 24 hours of release. Failure to do so triggers an immediate arrest warrant.

Your next step should be to contact Community Justice Services (CJS) at 4000 Justice Way, Suite 1801, Castle Rock, CO, within 24 hours of your release if you are on pretrial supervision.