Otero County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Otero County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Otero County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
The Otero County Detention Center (OCDC) is located at 220 E 2nd St, La Junta, CO 81050. This facility serves as the primary holding center for the 16th Judicial District.
DUI Bail Amounts in Otero County
The 16th Judicial District operates on a pre-set bond schedule for standard offenses, allowing for release without a judicial hearing if the defendant can pay or secure a surety. For a first offense DUI/DWAI, the standard bond is $1,000. If the DUI involves 3 or more prior offenses (felony), no bond is set until the first advisement. Driving Under Restraint (Alcohol Related) also carries a $1,000 bond.
Posting Bail at the Otero County Detention Center
The Otero County Detention Center (OCDC) is located at 220 E 2nd St, La Junta, CO 81050. The phone number is (719) 384-5941 (Non-Emergency/Booking). Cash is not accepted at the desk for bonding or commissary unless it is fed into the Kiosk in the lobby. This kiosk likely takes a percentage fee. Online deposits are handled via Sterling Commissary.
Otero County Bond Options
For first-time offenders with no aggravating circumstances (no accident, no injury), the jail may authorize a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond after a "sobering period" (typically 4 to 8 hours, or until BAC drops below 0.05). However, if the arrest occurs on a Friday night, and the "Shift Change" occurs during the sobering period, paperwork can be delayed.
Otero County Jail Release Timeline
Law enforcement shifts typically change at 6:00 AM/PM or 7:00 AM/PM. Processing halts during these windows (approx. 45 mins) for headcount and briefing. A defendant eligible for release at 6:15 PM might not be processed out until 7:30 PM.
The Otero County Combined Court is located at 13 West 3rd St, Suite 207, La Junta, CO 81050.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Otero County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety