Rio Blanco 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 Rio Blanco 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

Valley Repair & Towing serves as the primary law enforcement rotation tow for the Meeker Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office in the eastern sector of Rio Blanco County. If your vehicle was impounded after a DUI arrest in Meeker or along Highway 13, it's likely located here.

Rio Blanco County DUI and Your Driver's License: Understanding the Colorado DMV Hearing

Following a DUI arrest in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, your driving privileges are at risk. The Colorado Department of Revenue (DMV) will likely attempt to suspend your license, separate from any criminal charges you face in court. You have a limited time to request a hearing to challenge this suspension. It is critical to act within 15 days of your arrest to request this hearing.

Requesting a DMV Hearing in Rio Blanco County

While the DMV operates largely via remote administrative hearings from Denver, understanding how to request that hearing is crucial. This request must be made within 15 days of your DUI arrest. It is advisable to consult with your attorney to determine the best strategy for requesting and preparing for the hearing.

License Reinstatement and the "Notice of Revocation/Temporary Permit"

If your license was seized at the time of your arrest, you would have been issued a "Notice of Revocation/Temporary Permit" (yellow form). Keep this document safe, as you may need it to recover your vehicle from impound or for identification purposes if your license is suspended.

Vehicle Impound and Release in Rio Blanco County

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is likely impounded. In the eastern sector (Meeker), Valley Repair & Towing is the primary service provider. For arrests in Rangely and Dinosaur (western sector), RF & Son Recoveries is often used. Contacting the correct towing company is paramount to avoid additional storage fees.

  • Eastern Sector (Meeker): Valley Repair & Towing
  • Western Sector (Rangely): RF & Son Recoveries

To release your vehicle, you need to clear the Law Enforcement Hold, which requires contacting the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office (RBCSO) Civil/Records Division at (970) 878-9630. Speak with Office Manager Nicole Mendenhall or Records Technician Nancy Murphy. They are available Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Lunch 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM).

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

Last updated: January 27, 2026

Back to Colorado DUI Guide

24/7 Legal Support

Need a DUI Attorney in Rio Blanco County?

Get connected with experienced DUI attorneys who know Rio Blanco County courts and can fight for the best outcome.

Talk To An Attorney