Summit County Court Process
Complete guide to arraignment, court dates, plea options, and what to expect during your case in Summit County.
Court Information
Court Process Timeline
Arraignment
First court appearance, typically within 24-48 hours after arrest.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges against you
- You enter initial plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date is scheduled
- Public defender appointed if needed
Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months where your attorney negotiates with prosecutors.
Attorney Activities:
- Review police reports and evidence
- File motions to suppress evidence
- Challenge breathalyzer/blood test results
- Negotiate plea bargains
- Discuss diversion program eligibility
Plea Bargain or Trial
Most cases (over 90%) resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain Benefits
- • Reduced charges
- • Lighter sentence
- • Certainty of outcome
- • Lower costs
Trial Risks
- • Maximum sentence if convicted
- • Higher legal fees
- • Uncertainty
- • Time consuming
Sentencing
Judge determines penalties based on the plea agreement or trial verdict. Sentences may include fines, probation, jail time, license suspension, IID, SCRAM monitoring, and/or DUI classes.
Don't Face This Alone
A attorney can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal, between jail time and probation. They know local judges, prosecutors, and can challenge evidence that you might not even know is challengeable.
Find Summit County AttorneysThe Summit County Detention Facility (Jail), located at 501 N. Park Avenue, Breckenridge, serves as the central processing hub for all arrests in the county.
DWI Court Procedures in Summit County, Colorado
If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Summit County, Colorado, understanding the local court procedures can help you navigate the legal process. Summit County operates within the 5th Judicial District.
Courthouse Location and Security
The Summit County Justice Center, which houses the Combined Courts (District and County) and the District Attorney's Office, is located at 501 N. Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
All visitors must pass through a security checkpoint with magnetometers and X-ray scanners. On busy docket days, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the security line can extend outside, so arrive at least 30 minutes early, especially in winter.
Cell phones are generally permitted in the building but must be turned OFF (not just on silent) inside the courtroom.
Detention and Bail
Upon arrest, you will be processed at the Summit County Detention Facility at 501 N. Park Avenue in Breckenridge. Inmates generally have access to phones from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM. The facility uses ICS Solutions for phone services. If you anticipate a weekend release, coordinate with someone to meet you at the jail lobby, as you may not have immediate access to funds. Family members can set up a prepaid phone account through ICS Solutions at 1-888-506-8407.
Cash is accepted at the jail lobby kiosk for bond payments, but it must be the exact amount. Credit card payments are available via kiosk or online but incur a 3.5% transaction fee plus a $10 bond fee.
Vehicle Impound
After a DUI arrest, your vehicle will likely be impounded. The towing company depends on the arresting agency:
- Breckenridge Police Department (BPD): Ryan’s Recovery (198 Continental Court, Breckenridge).
- Frisco Police Department: Ski Country Shell (Ski Country Auto Repair & Towing) at 1125 N Summit Blvd, Frisco. Vehicle administrative release during auto repair shop hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri).
- Silverthorne and Dillon Police Departments: Dillon Towing & Recovery, JH Mountain Towing / JH Mountain Auto (205 Warren Ave, Silverthorne), or I-70 Towing (330 Warren Avenue, Silverthorne). Contact the Summit County Non-Emergency Dispatch (970-668-8600) to confirm the location.
- Summit County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO): I-70 Towing (330 Warren Avenue, Silverthorne). Contact Summit County Non-Emergency Dispatch (970-668-8600) to confirm.
If you need to locate a vehicle, call Summit County Non-Emergency Dispatch at 970-668-8600.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Summit County District Court
Colorado Court System
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