Saguache County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Saguache 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 Saguache 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 selection of the tow company is not random; it is dictated by the geographical location of the arrest and the rotation list maintained by SCSO dispatch in Saguache County.
DUI Bail and Release in Saguache County, Colorado
Navigating a DUI arrest in Saguache County presents unique challenges due to its rural nature. Understanding the bail process and logistical hurdles can help you or a loved one navigate the system more effectively.
Initial Appearance and Bond Setting
Following a DUI arrest in Saguache County, your first court appearance, also known as an advisement, will likely be conducted virtually via WebEx before Judge Jason Kelly. Judge Kelly, who also serves as a County Court Judge for Conejos County, acts as the Bond Magistrate for the entire 12th Judicial District, including Saguache. Judge Kelly has a reputation for fairness and is known to consider arguments for bond reduction, especially when tied to the economic hardships of the San Luis Valley. If the standard bond schedule presents a financial hardship, especially for local residents with strong community ties, he may consider a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond, despite standard "Monitored Abstinence" rules. Judge Kelly's WebEx access code is 2598 753 7910.
The "Tri-County Triangle" and Logistical Challenges
A significant challenge in Saguache County is the geographical dispersal of the DUI process. This creates what's known as the "Tri-County Triangle":
- Arrest: Saguache County.
- Jail: Rio Grande County (Del Norte), approximately 35 miles south of Saguache.
- DMV/Interlock: Alamosa, approximately 30 miles east of Del Norte.
After release from jail in Del Norte, individuals often find themselves stranded. Compounding this, vehicles are often impounded in different locations, depending on where the arrest occurred:
- Northern Sector Arrests (Villa Grove, Poncha Pass, Moffat): Vehicles are typically towed to Chaffee County (Salida/Poncha Springs), with Dark Knight Recovery being a primary operator.
- Southern Sector Arrests (Center, Saguache Town, Hwy 112): Vehicles are often towed to Alamosa or Monte Vista, with companies like Western Towing or Spartan Towing being frequently engaged.
This can leave a released individual without transportation and facing significant logistical hurdles to retrieve their vehicle and navigate court and DMV requirements.
Vehicle Impound and Towing Fees
Towing fees in Colorado are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), with maximum rates for "Law Enforcement Ordered Tows." Expect to pay near the upper limits of these charges due to the distances involved in Saguache County. A standard DUI impound can easily cost over $600.
Getting Your Vehicle Back
The tow company must release the vehicle for 15% of the bill (up to a maximum of $60) if the hold is lifted and the owner signs a promissory note. Also, you have a legal right to retrieve your phone, wallet, and ID from the impounded car for free immediately.
DMV Reinstatement: The Alamosa Necessity
Driver's license reinstatements, restricted licenses, and interlock processing are not handled in Saguache County. All driver license matters must be handled at the Alamosa Driver License Office located at 702 Del Sol Drive, Alamosa, CO 81101. Their hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed for lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Schedule appointments online at dmv.colorado.gov/AppointmentScheduling.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Saguache County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety