San Miguel County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in San Miguel 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 San Miguel 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.
Located at 684 CR 63L Road in Telluride, the San Miguel County Jail operates under a philosophy that prioritizes security and punishment over convenience or rehabilitation. This approach significantly impacts the DUI bail process.
Understanding Bail in San Miguel County
Securing release after a DUI arrest in San Miguel County requires understanding the specific operational procedures of the local jail and law enforcement agencies. The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO), which manages the county jail, adheres to rigid procedures regarding bond and release.
Local Bond Options and Procedures
Bonds can be posted 24/7 via the lobby kiosk at the jail or through the Inmate Canteen website. A bond fee of $10.00 applies. A booking fee of $30.00 is also typically processed at intake, although it's technically due at sentencing. A 3.5% transaction fee is added to credit card transactions. For example, a $1,000 bond incurs a $35 transaction fee.
A specific challenge arises with out-of-county warrants, which often carry "Cash Only" bond conditions. Local bondsmen are prohibited from posting "Cash Only" bonds, requiring the defendant to have the full cash amount. If the defendant's wallet was seized during booking and they are in the initial 21-hour lockdown, accessing these funds can be difficult without external assistance.
Release Timeline: The 6-Hour vs. 24-Hour Rule
Colorado law mandates release within six hours of bond being posted. However, the SMCSO may hold a defendant for up to 24 hours to ensure they are fitted with court-mandated sobriety monitoring devices (SCRAM) or GPS. This is common in DUI cases involving high BAC or repeat offenses. Because Telluride is remote, there can be delays securing and installing these devices from Montrose.
The Intake Blackout: Initial 21-Hour Lockdown
Upon booking, new inmates are placed in lockdown for 21 hours for classification and observation. During this time, access to phones is restricted, potentially delaying contact with bondsmen or family members to arrange bail. This delay can turn a quick bond-out into a multi-day stay.
Sunday Visitation Bottleneck
Visitation is only permitted on Sundays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This limited window creates a significant bottleneck for social support and communication with family, especially for those traveling from out of town.
Payment for bond can be made 24/7 via the lobby kiosk or through the Inmate Canteen system.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
San Miguel County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety