Andrews County DWI Guide

Being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Andrews County, Texas, can be a confusing and stressful experience. In 2024, there were 62 total combined DUI arrests across all reporting agencies operating within the county. This guide provides a clear overview of the steps you need to take, the deadlines you must meet, and the resources available to you in Andrews County. It covers everything from getting out of jail and retrieving your vehicle to understanding the court process and protecting your driving privileges.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Andrews County, the arresting officer will transport you to the Andrews County Jail located at 790 SE 401, Andrews, TX 79714. The primary arresting agencies are the Andrews Police Department, the Andrews County Sheriff's Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (State Patrol).

Here’s a typical timeline:

1. Arrest and Booking: Upon arrival at the Andrews County Jail, you will be booked, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. This process can take several hours.
2. Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make a phone call, typically after the booking process is complete. Use this call wisely to contact a loved one or begin the process of securing legal representation.
3. Bail Setting: Under Article 15.17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, you must be brought before a magistrate within 48 hours to be formally warned of your rights and have bail set.
4. Posting Bail: You can post bail to be released from jail. Bail amounts for a first-time DUI offense in Andrews County typically range from $500 to $2,500. You can pay the full amount in cash directly to the county, or utilize a licensed bail bondsman.
5. Release: Once bail is posted and verified, the jail staff will process your release, which typically takes around 90 minutes. Processing times can be longer during peak arrest times, such as "No Refusal" weekends. Contact the Andrews County Sheriff's Office at (432) 523-5545 for booking and inmate lookup information. You can also search for inmates online at portal-txandrews.tylertech.cloud/PublicAccess.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences in a DUI case. Here are some key deadlines to keep in mind:

• Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to contest the suspension of your driver's license. This deadline is strictly enforced.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice to appear in court. The date and time are crucial, and failure to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Installation: If required by the court as a condition of your bond (typically for repeat offenders or those with a high BAC), you must install an IID in your vehicle within the specified timeframe. Failure to do so can lead to bond revocation.
• Tow Hearing: If you believe your vehicle was improperly towed, you have 14 days from the date of the tow to request a hearing.

DUI Enforcement in Andrews County

Andrews County law enforcement agencies, including the Andrews Police Department, the Andrews County Sheriff's Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety, actively enforce DUI laws. The Sheriff's Office reported an increase in DWI charges from 9 in 2023 to 16 in 2024, suggesting increased enforcement on inter-county highways.

While random DWI sobriety checkpoints are unconstitutional in Texas, local agencies rely on targeted patrols, saturation patrols, and "No Refusal" weekends. During "No Refusal" operations, law enforcement coordinates with magistrates and phlebotomists to obtain warrants for mandatory blood draws if a suspect refuses to provide a breath or blood sample. These operations are common during high-risk holidays like New Year's Eve, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

Local Resources

• Andrews County Jail: 790 SE 401, Andrews, TX 79714. Phone: (432) 523-5545 (Sheriff's Office Main / Jail Admin). Online Inmate Search: portal-txandrews.tylertech.cloud/PublicAccess.
• Texas DPS - Andrews Driver License Office: 201 N Main St. RM B2, Andrews, TX 79714 (Courthouse Annex). Phone: (432) 464-0002. Hours: By Appointment Only. Texas Department of Public Safety
• Andrews County Sheriff’s Dispatch: (432) 523-5545. Call this number to trace the incident management tow assignment and determine where your vehicle was taken.
• Andrews County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 or 2: 215 NW 1st, Ste 3 or 4, Andrews, TX 79714. File tow hearing requests here.

To find a licensed bail bondsman, consult the listings on this site.

What Makes Andrews County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI arrest in Andrews County unique:

• Rural Geography: Due to its rural location, Andrews County relies heavily on regional towing contractors. Your vehicle may be towed to a Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) in Midland or Big Spring, adding to the logistical challenges.
• Oilfield Economy: The county's reliance on the oil and gas industry leads to a high volume of commercial vehicle traffic, meaning a DWI arrest can have significant professional consequences for CDL holders.
• No Dedicated DWI Court: Unlike some larger counties, Andrews County lacks a dedicated DWI court program, meaning that rehabilitation efforts are primarily handled through standard probation.
• Towing Distance: Because Andrews County relies on regional hubs, a vehicle towed in Andrews may end up 30 to 40 miles away in Midland or Big Spring, which can be difficult for a defendant whose driver's license has just been confiscated.
• Impound Lot Location: The primary impound lot is Action Wrecker Service / Midland TX Towing (Regional Contractors) and Midland TX Towing. To determine which lot has your vehicle, call the Andrews County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (432) 523-5545 or the Andrews Police Records Division.

Remember, you have the right to access your impounded vehicle to retrieve personal belongings, such as house keys or medication, free of charge during normal business hours, regardless of whether you can afford to pay the towing and storage fees immediately.