San Miguel 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 San Miguel 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 San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) explicitly articulates a custodial philosophy rooted in punishment rather than rehabilitation, a stance that manifests in rigid bond procedures, restricted visitation windows, and austere confinement conditions. This means navigating the administrative license revocation (ALR) process in San Miguel County requires careful planning and a keen understanding of local practices.

What is an ALR Hearing?

In Colorado, a DUI arrest triggers two separate legal processes: a criminal case in court and an administrative license suspension handled by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The ALR hearing is your opportunity to challenge the suspension of your driver's license resulting from the DUI arrest.

Crucially, you only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request this hearing. Missing this deadline will result in automatic suspension of your license.

Requesting Your ALR Hearing in San Miguel County

While the hearing request goes to the state, understanding how to manage the process from San Miguel County is key. Because there is no DMV office in San Miguel County, you cannot request the hearing in person locally.

Here's what you need to know:

  • Deadline: You must request a hearing within 15 calendar days of your DUI arrest.
  • Method: You can request a hearing by mail, fax, or online.
  • Online: The Colorado DMV likely has an online portal for requesting hearings.
  • Mail: Send your request to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, Hearings Section (check the official DMV website for the current address). Certified mail is highly recommended to prove timely submission.
  • Fax: Fax your request to the Colorado DMV Hearings Section (check the official DMV website for the current fax number). Keep your confirmation receipt.

Where Will Your ALR Hearing Be Held?

Due to San Miguel County's remote location, your ALR hearing may not be held within the county itself. It is highly likely it will be held in Montrose.

The "Montrose Gap" and Your ALR Hearing

The operational landscape of DUI processing in San Miguel County highlights a critical dependency on Montrose for essential compliance services – the "Montrose Gap." Located approximately 65 miles to the north, Montrose will likely be the location of your ALR Hearing. This distance, combined with limited transportation options, creates a logistical challenge.

Occupational License Considerations

If your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a restricted license (also known as an "Ignition Interlock Restricted License") that allows you to drive to work, school, or court-ordered activities.

Due to the "Montrose Gap" however, remember that there are no ignition interlock installation centers in San Miguel County. You will need to travel to Montrose (or Grand Junction) to have the device installed. Plan accordingly, considering winter driving conditions and appointment availability.

The facility operates as a dual-purpose entity: Telluride Tire & Auto is a service/repair center and a towing/impound operation located at 120 Society Drive in Lawson Hill.

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

Last updated: January 27, 2026

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