Saguache County Court Process

The DUI process in Saguache County begins with a roadside stop that will likely result in your vehicle being impounded. A deputy or trooper will contact dispatch (Saguache County Sheriff Dispatch 719-655-2544) to request the next available tow operator. Where your arrest occurs will dictate which company tows your car.

Towing and Impound in Saguache County

If you are arrested in the northern part of the county, particularly along the U.S. 285 corridor near Bonanza or Villa Grove, Dark Knight Recovery, based in Poncha Springs, is a primary operator. For arrests in the agricultural south or near the town of Saguache, companies such as Western Towing or Spartan Towing are frequently engaged.

This split means a defendant arrested in Villa Grove will be transported south to the jail in Del Norte (Rio Grande County), while their vehicle is towed north to Poncha Springs. Upon release, the defendant finds themselves geographically stranded, 35 miles from the booking facility and nearly 60 miles from their vehicle, with no public transportation connecting these nodes.

Colorado towing fees are regulated, but Saguache County tows often hit the upper limits due to mileage. For Law Enforcement Tows where the hold is lifted, the tow company must release the vehicle for 15% of the bill (max $60 down) if 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.

Saguache County Court and Judge Jason Kelly

A defendant's first appearance (advisement) or weekend bond hearing will likely be before Judge Jason Kelly via WebEx. Judge Kelly serves as a County Court Judge (Conejos) but acts as the Bond Magistrate and covers advisements for the entire 12th Judicial District, including Saguache. His WebEx Access Code is 2598 753 7910. Judge Kelly has a reputation for fairness and listening, and is amenable to reasonable arguments regarding bond reduction, especially when tied to the economic hardships of the San Luis Valley.

The 12th Judicial District uses virtual hearings. Defense counsel should immediately move for permission for the defendant to appear virtually for all non-substantive hearings (status conferences, pre-trials).

DMV and License Reinstatement

All driver license matters must be handled at the Alamosa Driver License Office, located at 702 Del Sol Drive, Alamosa, CO 81101. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., but closed 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. for lunch. The Alamosa office operates primarily by appointment. Check the scheduler (dmv.colorado.gov/AppointmentScheduling) at 8:00 a.m. daily for cancellations or drive to the office at 7:45 a.m. to stand in line for a potential walk-in slot.

To reinstate a license (even for a restricted "Red License"), the defendant needs:

• Form DR 2870 (Application for Reinstatement).
• SR-22 Insurance Certificate
• Interlock Lease Agreement
• $95.00 Fee

Never use the postal service for hearing requests in Saguache. Defendants or counsel must email the request to dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us or use the mydmv.colorado.gov portal.

Ignition Interlock in Saguache County

There are no mobile install services that travel to Saguache. You must get the vehicle to Alamosa for installation. Approved vendors include:

• Intoxalock: Backroads LLC, 1825 State Ave #15, Alamosa, and Thunder Motor Co, 7302 Rodeo Lane, Alamosa.
• Smart Start: Ace In Your Pocket, 183 Broadway Ave, Alamosa.
• LifeSafer: Garcia Auto Sales, 1591 State Ave, Alamosa.
• Guardian: Also listed at the Backroads LLC address.

In Saguache winters, use the "Sleep Mode" on Intoxalock devices to prevent battery drain. Press and hold the button for 3 beeps before shutting off the car.