Teller County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Teller 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 Teller 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.
Getting Out of Jail After a DUI Arrest in Teller County: A Guide to Bail
If you've been arrested for DUI in Teller County, Colorado, understanding the bail process is crucial for a swift release. Unlike larger cities, Teller County's unique geography and legal structure require specific knowledge to navigate. Here's what you need to know to secure your release from the Teller County Jail, located at 11400 US Highway 24, Divide, CO 80814.
Initial Processing and Bond Eligibility
Upon arrival at the Teller County Jail, you'll enter a "blackout" phase where communication with the outside world is limited. During booking, you will be informed of the charges against you and your bond eligibility. Unless there's a "No Bond" hold (common in domestic violence or felony cases), the bond amount will be determined based on the 4th Judicial District’s standing bond schedule. Keep in mind that bond amounts typically increase by $1,000 for each prior DUI conviction.
Even if bail is posted quickly, you won't be released until your Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) drops to a safe level, typically below 0.02 or 0.00. This physiological requirement creates a mandatory holding period that can supersede administrative processing times.
Understanding the 4th Judicial District Bond Schedule
The 4th Judicial District uses a standardized bond schedule for DUI offenses. While the exact amounts can vary, expect a baseline bond amount that increases with prior convictions. Felony DUI arrests will require a condition of monitored abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs as a condition of bond.
Posting Bail: Your Options
The Teller County Sheriff’s Office accepts several forms of bond:
- Cash Bond: You deposit the full bail amount in cash. This is held by the court and returned to the payer at the conclusion of the case, provided you attend all court hearings.
- Surety Bond (Bail Bondsman): A licensed bail bondsman posts the bond for a non-refundable premium, typically 10-15% of the bond amount. The Sheriff’s Office cannot recommend specific bondsmen, so you'll need to find one independently. Many bondsmen are based in Colorado Springs or Pueblo, which can add travel time.
- Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: A "signature bond" where you promise to appear in court. While possible, a PR bond for a DUI often requires a judge's authorization at your first advisement hearing, rather than immediate jail release.
- Property Bond: Using real estate equity to secure release. This is a complex legal process involving the courts and the Clerk and Recorder’s office.
Communication Challenges and Solutions
Communication from inside the Teller County Jail is heavily restricted. Family members cannot call you directly. For urgent messages (e.g., a death in the family), they must call 719-687-7770 and leave a detailed message, including your full name, alien registration number (if applicable), and the caller’s contact information. Staff will review the message and relay it at their discretion.
You can make collect or prepaid calls from telephones in the dayrooms. These calls are subject to monitoring and recording.
Financial Logistics: Commissary and Phone Time
To facilitate financial transactions for commissary or phone time, the facility utilizes the JailATM system.
- Remote Deposits: Family members can deposit funds online via the JailATM website using credit or debit cards.
- On-Site Kiosk: A mobile kiosk is located in the lobby of the Teller County Jail at 288 Weaverville Road (adjacent to the main administrative address). This kiosk is accessible 24/7 and accepts cash, Visa, and MasterCard. The kiosk does not dispense change; cash depositors must insert the exact amount they wish to credit to the inmate’s account.
Geographic Challenges and Planning
Teller County's dispersed geography presents unique challenges. The jail is in Divide, while the court is in Cripple Creek, a 25-mile drive from Woodland Park. This distance, combined with potential weather hazards, adds a "compliance tax" to your case. Plan accordingly for travel to court appearances and other required appointments.
Next Steps: Securing Your Release
Immediately after an arrest, contact family or friends who can begin the process of posting bail. Determine the bond amount and decide which method of payment is most feasible. If using a bail bondsman, research local options and contact them promptly. Remember that even after bail is posted, you will not be released until your BAC is below the legal limit.
To deposit funds into an inmate's account for phone calls or commissary, visit the JailATM website or use the kiosk at 288 Weaverville Road, Divide, CO 80814.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Teller County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety