Prowers County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Prowers 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 Prowers 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 Prowers County Jail, located at 103 East Oak Street in Lamar, serves as the central detention facility for the county. If you've been arrested for DUI in Prowers County, understanding the bail process can help you or your loved one navigate the initial stages of the legal system.
Prowers County Bail Schedule
The 15th Judicial District employs a bond schedule for warrantless arrests. This means that a judge doesn't need to be present for many DUI defendants to be released on bond. While specific amounts may vary, here is representative sample:
DUI: A bond amount will be set allowing many DUI defendants to bond out without waiting for a judicial appearance.
Keep in mind a $10 bond fee and a booking fee are typically added. The kiosk may charge an additional percentage (up to 3.5% or more).
Where to Post Bail in Prowers County
Bail can be posted at the Prowers County Jail, located at 103 East Oak Street in Lamar.
Local Bond Options in Prowers County
- Cash Bond: You can pay the full bail amount in cash.
- Surety Bond (Bail Bond): If you cannot afford the full cash bond, you can use a bail bondsman. They typically charge a percentage of the total bond amount (e.g., 10-15%).
- Remote Bonding: Services allow paperwork to be signed via email and payment to be made by credit card over the phone.
Release Timeline and "Sober Release" Protocol
Even after posting bail, release is not always immediate. The Prowers County Jail enforces a strict Sober Release Policy. Release is typically delayed until the defendant’s Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) drops below a statutory threshold (often 0.02) or for a set observation period (e.g., 4-8 hours).
Payment Methods
Rural jails in Colorado have been slow to adopt digital payment systems at the intake window. While the Prowers County Jail is modernizing (transitioning to kiosk-based systems), you may be told you need cash or a cashier's check, or must use a specific third-party kiosk that charges high service fees.
If there is a hold placed on your vehicle, go to 102 E Parmenter (Lamar PD) first. Do not go to the tow yard until you have the paper release form in hand. You can contact the jail's main administrative line for bond information at 719-336-8050.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Prowers County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety