Saguache 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 Saguache 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

The defendant has exactly 7 days (including weekends) to request a hearing to contest the license revocation after a DUI arrest in Saguache County. If this deadline is missed, the license is automatically revoked on the 8th day. This administrative process is handled separately from the criminal case in Saguache County Court.

What is an Express Consent Hearing (ALR)?

In Colorado, driving is a privilege, not a right. By driving in Colorado, you've given "express consent" to blood or breath testing if suspected of DUI. If you refuse or fail a test (BAC of .08 or higher), the officer will serve you with an "Express Consent Affidavit," which acts as a temporary 7-day driving permit. This triggers a license revocation process handled by the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR). You have only 7 calendar days from the date of this affidavit to request a hearing to challenge the revocation.

Requesting Your Hearing in Saguache County: Email is Key

Because of slow mail delivery in rural Saguache County (areas like Moffat and Crestone), it's crucial NEVER to use the postal service to request your hearing. Instead, you must email your request to dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us. You can also use the mydmv.colorado.gov portal, but email provides an immediate timestamp proving you met the deadline.

Hearing Location:

It is crucial to request the hearing, even without knowing the exact hearing location. Failing to request within 7 days leads to automatic license revocation.

Reinstatement Realities: The Alamosa Necessity

The Saguache County Clerk & Recorder office cannot handle driver's license reinstatements, restricted licenses, or interlock processing. For all driver license matters, you must go to the Alamosa Driver License Office at 702 Del Sol Drive, Alamosa, CO 81101. They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but closed for lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

The Alamosa office operates primarily by appointment. Walk-ins are technically accepted if space is available, but for DUI reinstatement, this is not realistic. Check the appointment 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.

To reinstate your license, bring:

  • Form DR 2870 (Application for Reinstatement).
  • SR-22 Insurance Certificate (must be filed electronically).
  • Interlock Lease Agreement (proof of installation).
  • $95.00 Fee (payable by check or card with a fee).

The Alamosa Driver License Office is located at 702 Del Sol Drive, Alamosa, CO 81101.

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

Last updated: January 27, 2026

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