Bexar County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Bexar County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Bexar County can be a disorienting experience. The San Antonio metropolitan area sees a high volume of DWI arrests, making it crucial to understand the specific procedures and resources available to you locally. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the complex legal process ahead, from understanding the "cool down" period to navigating the bail bond system.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Bexar County

The immediate aftermath of a DUI arrest in Bexar County involves several critical steps. After being pulled over and potentially undergoing field sobriety tests, you'll likely be arrested if the officer suspects impairment. This leads to booking, potential detention, and the start of legal proceedings that could significantly impact your life. Understanding each step is essential to protecting your rights.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Here's a timeline of what to expect in the first 24 hours following a DUI arrest in Bexar County:

• Arrest & Transport: You'll be taken into custody by an officer of agencies like the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and transported to a detention facility.
• Booking Process: The booking process involves taking your fingerprints, photograph (mugshot), and recording your personal information.
• "Cool Down" Period: In Bexar County, if you are arrested for DWI, expect a "cool down" or sobriety hold. This means that even if bail is posted, you will likely remain in custody until you are no longer considered a danger to yourself or others. This can mean a de facto hold of 6 to 12 hours post-arrest while your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) drops.
• Locating a Detainee: To find someone arrested, the Central Magistrate Search is the primary tool for legal counsel and families attempting to locate an individual arrested within the immediate past. This database captures the "intake" phase—the period where the arrestee has been brought to the facility but is still undergoing the initial administrative adjudication of probable cause and bail setting. It specifically lists individuals arrested for Class B misdemeanors or higher who have been processed within the last 24 hours.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls, typically after the booking process. Use this opportunity to contact a DUI attorney and/or a bail bondsman.
• Bail Setting: A magistrate will determine your bail amount.
• Posting Bail: You can post bail in cash or through a bail bondsman. Keep in mind that the standard premium rate for a surety bond in Bexar County is 10% of the total bond amount, and this premium is non-refundable.
• Release: Once bail is posted and any required "cool down" period has passed, you will be released from custody.

Important Contacts: To verify eligibility and warrant status, call 210-335-2592 prior to surrender. Once an individual has been fully booked, classified, and housed, they transition into the broader county inmate management system. For these individuals, the Inmate/Bond Information Line (210-335-6201) serves as the primary information source.

Critical Deadlines

Missing critical deadlines can have severe consequences for your DUI case. Here are the key deadlines to be aware of:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance Dates: Your court appearance dates will be specified in your release paperwork or through your attorney. Missing these dates can lead to a warrant for your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Bexar County

While specific checkpoint locations aren't publicly advertised, it's important to be aware of general DUI enforcement trends in Bexar County. SAPD Procedure 507 offers a potential diversion of the ADC for certain low-level DWI arrests. Under Procedure 507, if a suspect provides a breath specimen that registers a BAC below 0.08 and they are 21 years of age or older, the arresting officer has the discretion to divert the arrestee from the jail. In these specific instances, provided the suspect is not otherwise impaired (as determined by a Drug Recognition Expert) or facing additional charges, they may be transported to the Growdon Storage Facility (located at 3625 Growdon Road) to recover their vehicle and be released to a responsible party.

Local Resources

• Bexar County Courthouse: 100 Dolorosa St., Suite B10.2
• Inmate/Bond Information Line: 210-335-6201
• Bexar County Bail Bond Board Administrator: Ethel Segura, 210-335-3933
• Central Magistrate Search: [Search here] (link to actual Bexar County central magistrate search if available)
• Growdon Storage Facility: 3625 Growdon Road
• Bexar County Records: You can find public record searches on the Bexar County Website.

What Makes Bexar County Different

Bexar County's approach to DUI cases has several unique aspects:

• "Cool Down" Period: The county's practice of holding intoxicated individuals until they are deemed safe, regardless of posted bail, is a significant factor in the immediate aftermath of an arrest.
• Growdon Storage Facility Diversion: SAPD's Procedure 507 offering a potential bypass of the ADC for certain low-level DWI arrests. Under Procedure 507, if a suspect provides a breath specimen that registers a BAC below 0.08 and they are 21 years of age or older, the arresting officer has the discretion to divert the arrestee from the jail to the Growdon Storage Facility (located at 3625 Growdon Road) to recover their vehicle and be released to a responsible party.
• Bail Bond Board Oversight: The Bexar County Bail Bond Board actively regulates surety companies and investigates complaints. If you encounter unethical practices by a bondsman, contact Ethel Segura, the Administrator, at 210-335-3933.

After an arrest, it's crucial to determine if you're eligible for diversion under SAPD Procedure 507 by carefully assessing your breath test results and discussing your options with an attorney.