Pitkin County License Hearing Guide

How to request your Administrative License Hearing and protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.

Last verified: January 27, 2026

15-Day Deadline

You have exactly 15 days from your arrest to request a hearing. Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended. No exceptions.

Enter your arrest date to see your deadline:

Select arrest date

If You Request in Time

  • • Temporary permit until hearing
  • • Chance to keep your license
  • • Gather evidence for defense

If You Miss the Deadline

  • • Automatic 90-180 day suspension
  • • No hearing, no appeal
  • • Starts after waiting period

How to Request Your Hearing

Fastest Method

Online Request

Fee: Typically $50-$125

Available: 24/7

Instant confirmation

Alternative

Phone Request

Fee: Same as online

Hours: Business hours only

Expect hold times

Information You'll Need

From Your Notice:

  • • Driver License Number
  • • Date of Arrest
  • • Arresting Agency
  • • Arresting Officer Name

Personal Information:

  • • Full Legal Name
  • • Current Address
  • • Date of Birth
  • • Phone Number & Email

After You Request

1

Temporary Permit

Immediate

Drive legally until your hearing

2

Hearing Notice

20-40 days

Date, time, and format mailed to you

3

Prepare Defense

Before hearing

Gather evidence, hire attorney

4

Attend Hearing

Scheduled date

Usually phone or video

5

Decision

Same day

Win: keep license. Lose: suspension starts

What to Expect at the Hearing

Most hearings are by phone or video

You usually don't need to travel. When you receive your hearing notice, it will specify whether it's phone, video, or in-person.

Duration

30-60 minutes typically

Who's There

You, your attorney (optional), state attorney, hearing officer

What They Review

Probable cause for stop, proper arrest procedure, test validity

Evidence That Can Help

  • Dashcam or bodycam footage showing procedural errors
  • Breathalyzer calibration records (if not current)
  • Witness statements about your sobriety
  • Medical conditions affecting field sobriety tests

Should You Hire an Attorney?

With an Attorney

  • Can subpoena arresting officer
  • Knows how to challenge evidence
  • Uses hearing to strengthen criminal defense
  • Higher success rate at hearings

Without an Attorney

  • State has experienced attorney present
  • May not know proper objections
  • Can't effectively cross-examine officers
  • Lower win rate statistically
Find DUI Attorneys in Pitkin County

If You Lose Your Hearing

Losing the hearing isn't the end. You still have options to maintain limited driving privileges:

Ignition Interlock

Drive with device installed

Occupational License

Limited driving for work/essentials

FAQ

Related Guides

Court Process
Criminal case timeline
Bail & Bond
Getting released

The defendant has exactly seven days (including weekends/holidays) from the date of the notice to request a hearing regarding their driver's license suspension after a DUI arrest in Pitkin County, Colorado. This notice is the yellow "Notice of Revocation/Express Consent Affidavit" served at the time of arrest if you failed a breath test (BAC >= 0.08) or refused testing. If a blood test was taken, this notice arrives later by mail after the results are processed.

The Colorado DMV and Your Driver's License

Following a DUI arrest in Pitkin County, you face two separate legal battles: the criminal case in the 9th Judicial District and an administrative case with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) concerning your driving privileges. These are independent, and winning in court does not automatically reinstate your license.

Requesting an ALR Hearing in Pitkin County

To challenge the suspension of your driver’s license, you must request a hearing with the Colorado DMV within those crucial seven days. Failing to do so will result in an automatic license suspension.

Local Timeline for Hearings

While the exact wait time can vary, expect to wait several weeks for your ALR hearing to be scheduled in Pitkin County.

Hearing Location

Hearings related to the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process are generally held at a designated location within the region. Contact the Colorado DMV to confirm the exact location for your scheduled hearing.

Occupational License (Restricted Driving Permit)

After a license revocation, you may be eligible for a restricted driving permit, also known as an occupational license, allowing you to drive for work, school, or necessary medical appointments. Contact the Colorado DMV to find out if you qualify.

Remember, the seven-day deadline to request a hearing is absolute.

Contact the Colorado DMV for specific questions.

Sources
  • Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles / Public Safety
  • Colorado Administrative Code - License Suspension Procedures

Last updated: January 27, 2026

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