Rio Blanco County DUI Court Records
Rio Blanco County DUI records are processed through the 9th Judicial District court system. The County Court in Meeker handles misdemeanor DUI and DWAI cases. Rio Blanco County is located in northwest Colorado, known for its ranching heritage and energy production.
Rio Blanco County Quick Facts
Rio Blanco County DUI Court System
Rio Blanco County is part of the 9th Judicial District. This district includes Garfield, Pitkin, and Rio Blanco Counties. The County Court in Meeker processes all misdemeanor DUI cases for Rio Blanco County. The court operates under Colorado state law including CRS 42-4-1301.
The 9th Judicial District serves northwest Colorado with a combined court system. The District Attorney's Office prosecutes DUI cases across all three counties. Rio Blanco County cases are filed and heard in Meeker. This shared system allows efficient use of judicial resources in the rural region.
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides online case access. You can search Rio Blanco County cases through the statewide portal.
| Court | Rio Blanco County Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 555 Main Street, Meeker, CO 81641 |
| Phone | 970-878-5622 |
| Judicial District | 9th Judicial District (with Garfield, Pitkin) |
| Website | Colorado Judicial Branch |
Finding Rio Blanco County DUI Records
Rio Blanco County DUI records are maintained by the court and local law enforcement. The Clerk of Court keeps case files at the Meeker courthouse. You can request records in person during business hours. Online access is available through state databases.
The Colorado Judicial Branch portal at jbits.courts.state.co.us provides online case lookup. You need an account to search the system. Rio Blanco County cases from the 9th Judicial District are included. You can view case status and scheduled hearings.
Sources for Rio Blanco County DUI records:
- Rio Blanco County Court in Meeker
- Meeker Police Department
- Rangely Police Department
- Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office
- Colorado State Patrol
- Colorado DMV for license records
State Highway 13 runs through Rio Blanco County connecting to Wyoming. Highway 64 runs east-west through the county. These routes see regular DUI patrols by State Patrol and local agencies.
Rio Blanco County DUI Arrest and Court Process
A DUI arrest in Rio Blanco County begins with a traffic stop. Officers evaluate drivers for signs of impairment. Field sobriety tests may be conducted roadside. Chemical testing measures blood alcohol content under Express Consent laws.
Colorado law under CRS 42-4-1301 defines DUI offenses. A BAC of 0.08 or higher is driving under the influence. A BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 is driving while ability impaired. Both are criminal offenses in Rio Blanco County.
The Express Consent Law requires submission to chemical testing. Refusal leads to license suspension under CRS 42-2-126. You have seven days to request a DMV hearing. This administrative process is separate from criminal court.
Rio Blanco County cases are processed through the 9th Judicial District. Initial appearances occur at the Meeker courthouse. The District Attorney's Office handles prosecutions. Public defenders are available for qualified defendants.
Rio Blanco County DUI Penalties and Consequences
DUI penalties in Rio Blanco County follow Colorado state guidelines. First offenses typically include fines, probation, and alcohol education. Jail time may be suspended for compliant first time offenders. The court monitors compliance with all sentencing requirements.
A BAC of 0.15 or higher brings Persistent Drunk Driver status. This requires Level II alcohol and drug treatment. An ignition interlock device is mandatory for at least two years. These enhanced requirements are non-waivable under Colorado law.
Repeat offenses carry increasingly severe penalties. Second convictions require mandatory jail time. Third offenses are filed as felonies. The court has limited discretion with each subsequent DUI. Insurance rates increase significantly after any conviction.
Additional consequences may include community service, victim impact panels, and restitution. Probation officers monitor compliance. Violations can result in revocation and additional penalties.
Getting Copies of Rio Blanco County DUI Records
Request court records from the Rio Blanco County Clerk of Court. Visit the courthouse at 555 Main Street in Meeker. Bring photo identification. Case numbers help locate files quickly.
Copy fees apply for all record requests. Standard copies cost per page. Certified copies cost extra and are required for many legal purposes. Call 970-878-5622 to confirm current fees and payment options.
For driver license matters, contact the Colorado DMV. Access mydmv.colorado.gov for online services. The Hearings Division at cdor.colorado.gov handles license suspension appeals. DMV records are separate from court files.
Cities in Rio Blanco County
Rio Blanco County includes communities in northwest Colorado.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders or judicial district with Rio Blanco County.