Pitkin County Court Process

The immediate aftermath of a DUI arrest in Pitkin County triggers a complex and often predatory logistical chain regarding the defendant's vehicle.

Asset Seizure Dynamics: Impoundment & Towing

Pitkin County and the City of Aspen rely heavily on contracted private towing services, creating a monopoly-like environment. Shaun’s Towing and Recovery holds the primary municipal contract for the City of Aspen and serves the broader Roaring Fork Valley. Their primary operational base and towing yard is located at 82 Duroux Lane, Basalt, CO 81621. City records indicate that vehicles towed under the City of Aspen contract are frequently taken to the "impound lot at the Pitkin County Landfill" located at 32046 Jack Gredig Lane, Aspen, CO 81611. Verify specifically which lot holds your vehicle before attempting retrieval.

Storage charges increase at midnight each day the vehicle remains in custody. The After-Hours Release Fee is $103.70.

Retrieving a vehicle requires a valid driver’s license (of the person driving the vehicle off the lot), Title or Registration printed within the last 7 days (insurance verification card is NOT accepted), and payment via cash (exact change only) or credit card (with a 4% fee). If the registered owner is not present, Shaun's Towing requires a notarized Absentee Authorization and Hold Harmless Agreement.

For vehicles towed by the Aspen Police Department (APD), you must often contact or visit the Aspen Parking Department (427 Rio Grande Place) to pay outstanding fines and obtain a release authorization. The Parking Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..

After 30 days from the impound date, the vehicle is subject to foreclosure proceedings.

Detention Dynamics: Bail Bonds & Jail Logistics

The Pitkin County Jail, is located at 506 East Main Street immediately behind the Courthouse. The facility has only 12 beds for male inmates and 2 beds for female inmates. When the jail reaches capacity, defendants are transferred to facilities in neighboring counties, typically Garfield County (Glenwood Springs) or Eagle County.

Defendants cannot be released until they are demonstrably sober, defined as a verified Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) below 0.05 and/or the passage of a mandatory time period, typically 8 hours from the time of arrest.

The "graveyard" shift (22:30 to 08:00) is staffed by a single detention officer. Shift changes occur around 07:45 and 15:30.

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.

All visitation is conducted via video kiosks in the lobby or remotely via internet.

Judicial Dynamics and Courtroom Logistics

The Pitkin County Combined Court is located at 506 East Main Street, Suite 300, Aspen, CO 81611.

Judge Christopher Seldin (District Court Judge) typically handles Felony DUIs (4+ priors, vehicular assault, or injury accidents). Judge Ashley Andrews (County Court Judge) handles the vast majority of Misdemeanor DUIs (First/Second offenses).

The Pitkin County Courthouse has implemented TSA-style security screening. Prohibited items include all weapons, knives of any size (including small pocket knives or key-chain tools), potential projectiles, and sharp objects. A strict administrative order restricts the use of cell phones and electronic devices. Devices must be turned OFF (not just silent) in courtrooms.

The Rio Grande Parking Plaza (427 Rio Grande Place) is located one block north of Main Street, a short (3-5 minute) uphill walk to the courthouse. Rates are tiered: $2.00 for the first hour, $4.00 for the second hour, with a daily maximum of $12.00.

The Aspen Parking Department is located at 427 Rio Grande Place.