Pitkin County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Pitkin 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 Pitkin 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 Pitkin County Jail, located at 506 East Main Street immediately behind the Courthouse, serves as the primary intake and detention facility.
Pitkin County DUI Bail: What You Need to Know
If you've been arrested for DUI in Pitkin County, Colorado, understanding the bail process is crucial. This guide provides essential information specific to Pitkin County to help you navigate the system.
Understanding the Pitkin County Jail
The Pitkin County Jail has limited capacity: just 12 beds for male inmates and 2 beds for female inmates. This can lead to overcrowding and transfers to facilities in neighboring counties like Garfield County (Glenwood Springs) or Eagle County. Be aware that a transfer complicates the release process, requiring travel to another county to post bond or arrange pickup.
Release Timeline: The "Cooling Off" Period
Release from the Pitkin County Jail is never immediate. The jail adheres to strict sobriety protocols. You cannot be released until you are demonstrably sober, defined as:
- A verified Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) below 0.05.
- The passage of a mandatory time period, typically 8 hours from the time of arrest, to ensure metabolic processing of alcohol or drugs.
If arrested at 2:00 AM, expect to wait until at least 10:00 AM for release eligibility.
Potential Delays: Staffing and Shift Changes
The "graveyard" shift (22:30 to 08:00) is staffed by a single detention officer. During this time, processing can be significantly delayed if the officer is managing other emergencies. Shift changes occur around 07:45 and 15:30, causing further delays of 30-45 minutes due to briefing and headcount procedures.
Online Bonding and Hidden Fees
Bond can be paid via credit card through third-party portals like InmateCanteen.com linked from the county site. A 2.9% processing fee is assessed on all credit card transactions. For example, a $10,000 felony bond will incur a $290 fee. Money posted online is legally treated as the defendant's funds and may be seized by the court to satisfy fines, restitution, or court costs.
Pitkin County Courthouse Location
The Pitkin County Combined Court is the venue for the criminal track of the DUI process. It is located at 506 East Main Street, Suite 300, Aspen, CO 81611.
The Pitkin County Jail is located at 506 East Main Street immediately behind the Courthouse.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Pitkin County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety