Routt County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Routt 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 Routt 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.
Navigating Bail and Vehicle Release After a DUI Arrest in Routt County, Colorado
If you've been arrested for DUI in Routt County, Colorado, understanding the immediate steps for securing your release and retrieving your vehicle is critical. The process involves navigating the Routt County Detention Center, private towing companies, and strict deadlines. This guide provides actionable information to help you through this challenging time.
Initial Steps After Arrest: Contact and Information
Following a DUI arrest, the first step is to contact the Routt County Combined Communication Center at 970-879-1090. This call is essential to determine which towing company has impounded your vehicle and whether a law enforcement "hold" prevents its release. The Routt County Detention Center is located at 2027 Shield Drive, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487.
Understanding Vehicle Impoundment and Fees
Your vehicle is likely impounded by either Rocky Mountain Towing or Steamboat Towing & Transportation LLC, depending on the Routt County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) and Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) rotation list. These are private companies operating under Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulations for "Law Enforcement-Ordered Tows."
Key Fees to Anticipate:
- Tow Fee: Expect to pay around $300-$400, depending on mileage.
- Daily Storage Fee: Approximately $47 per day.
- After-Hours Release Fee: Around $103 if you retrieve your vehicle outside of standard business hours.
Actionable Tip: Retrieving your vehicle promptly is crucial to minimize storage fees. Even with the After-Hours Release Fee, it's often cheaper than letting your car sit over the weekend. For example, waiting until Monday to avoid the ~$103 After-Hours Fee will cost you ~$94 in storage fees for Saturday and Sunday.
Clearing the "Hold" and Retrieving Your Vehicle
Releasing your vehicle involves a three-step verification process:
- Clearing the Law Enforcement Hold: Contact the Routt County Combined Communication Center (970-879-1090) to confirm the hold has been lifted. Do this before going to the tow yard.
- Registered Owner Verification: The towing company will only release the vehicle to the registered owner or an authorized agent with a notarized "Hold Harmless" agreement. If someone else owns the car, they must provide a notarized release. This can be problematic for students or seasonal workers whose vehicles are registered out of state.
- Proof of Insurance and Identity: You must provide valid proof of insurance and your driver's license to retrieve the vehicle.
Gold Dust Insight: "Protected Items" Colorado law mandates that tow operators must allow you to retrieve essential items from your vehicle without paying the tow bill. These "Protected Items" include:
- State/Federal Identification (Driver's License, Passport)
- Keys
- Cellular Telephones
- Medication and Medical Devices
- Credit Cards and Cash (specifically if used to pay the tow bill)
- Child Restraint Systems
If the tow operator denies access to these items, cite "PUC rules regarding protected items."
Navigating the Routt County Detention Center and Bail
The Routt County Detention Center operates on a strict schedule, which can impact your release time. While technically a 24-hour facility, administrative processes slow down during shift changes (06:00-07:00 and 18:00-19:00) and meal/medication times (Breakfast: 07:30, Lunch: 12:30, Dinner: 17:30, Medication Rounds: 07:00, 12:00, 20:00).
Actionable Tip: Avoid attempting to bond out between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM or 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM to minimize delays.
Online Payment Options
Routt County offers online payment options for certain fees. Visit https://co.routt.co.us/899/Online-Payments to check if this applies to your situation.
Next Steps
After securing your release and retrieving your vehicle, your next step should be to understand the "Seven-Day Rule" for requesting a DMV hearing. Missing this deadline can have significant consequences for your driving privileges. Contact the Routt County Combined Communication Center at 970-879-1090 for more information.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Routt County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety