Bastrop County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Bastrop County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Bastrop County can be a disorienting experience. As a rapidly growing county on the edge of the Austin metro area, the DUI process involves navigating a complex system of local and state agencies. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you understand what happens next, from getting out of jail to protecting your driving privileges. Bastrop County's unique position means rural resources must contend with peri-urban traffic volumes, impacting enforcement and processing. Let's break down the steps.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are critical. Here's a timeline of what to expect:

• Traffic Stop/Arrest: The process typically begins with a traffic stop or collision investigation by the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), municipal police departments (Bastrop, Elgin, Smithville PD), or the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The BCSO Patrol Division covers a large area (896 square miles), so transport times to the jail can vary significantly.
• Chemical Testing: If probable cause is established via Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), you'll be asked to submit to a breath or blood test. If you agree to a breathalyzer, you'll be transported to a facility with a certified Intoxilyzer. If you refuse a breath test, officers will seek a search warrant for a blood draw. Bastrop County magistrates are available to sign these warrants, often electronically.
• Booking at the Bastrop County Jail: All DUI arrestees are processed at the Bastrop County Jail, located at 200 Jackson Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602.
• The "Blackout" Period: During intake, your personal effects, including your cell phone, will be inventoried and stored. This effectively cuts off your connection to the outside world until booking is complete and you have access to dayroom phones.
• Inmate Account Creation: A trust fund account is automatically created for you. This account is essential for making non-collect calls to arrange for bail or vehicle recovery. Any cash you have on you at the time of arrest will be deposited into this account.
• Making Phone Calls: You can make non-collect calls once booking is complete, provided you have funds in your inmate account. Family members cannot directly deposit cash; they must use a third-party system, VendEngine, which involves mailing money orders to a processing center in Nashville, TN, or using digital kiosks.
• Bail Setting: Texas law mandates that you be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and no later than 48 hours after arrest, for an Article 15.17 hearing. Bastrop County generally complies with this timeline. Video conferencing is used for these hearings. This is when bail is set.

Critical Deadlines

Keep these deadlines in mind:

• ALR Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to contest the suspension of your driver's license. This is separate from your criminal case.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice of your first court appearance. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended, typically 40 days after the date of arrest if BAC is over .08.

DUI Enforcement in Bastrop County

While specific checkpoint locations are not publicly released, be aware that the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, Bastrop Police Department, Elgin Police Department, Smithville Police Department, and the Texas DPS all actively enforce DUI laws. Given Bastrop County's location bordering Travis County, there is likely increased enforcement due to spillover traffic.

Local Resources

• Bastrop County Jail: 200 Jackson Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602
• Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office: (512) 549-5100
• Bastrop Police Department: (512) 321-2521
• Elgin Police Department: (512) 281-3300
• Smithville Police Department: (512) 237-3203
• Bastrop County Bail Bond Board: Oversees the administration of bail bonds in the county. Contact information available through the Sheriff's Office.
• VendEngine: The third-party vendor used for inmate funds. Visit their website or call their customer service for information on depositing funds.
• DUI Attorneys: Search online directories for qualified attorneys in Bastrop County.

What Makes Bastrop County Different

Bastrop County presents unique challenges for DUI defendants:

• Rural Logistics: The county's large geographical area (896 sq. miles) means longer transport times to the jail, extending the period of incommunicado detention.
• Weekend Gap: Even with Bastrop County’s compliance with the 48-hour magistration rule, being arrested on a Friday night often means spending the weekend in jail due to limited weekend operations of administrative staff and bond agencies.
• Financial Hurdles: The reliance on a third-party vendor (VendEngine) for inmate funds can delay access to money needed for bail and vehicle recovery. If arrested without cash, you’re effectively financially frozen until family navigates the system.
• PR Bond Challenges: While Personal Recognizance (PR) bonds are available, the pre-trial services interview required for eligibility can be delayed due to understaffing, potentially forcing defendants to pay for a surety bond to avoid weekend jail time.
• Towing Rotation List: Your vehicle will be towed by a company on the rotation list, not necessarily one you choose.

Your immediate next step should be to contact the Bastrop County Jail at (512) 549-5100 to confirm your booking information and understand the bail process.