Blanco County DWI Court Process

Navigating the court system after a DUI arrest can be confusing. This guide explains the DUI court process in Blanco County, Texas, helping you understand what to expect at each stage.

Which Court Handles DUI Cases?

In Blanco County, the court that handles your DUI case depends on the severity of the charge.

• Misdemeanor DUI (1st or 2nd offense): These cases are handled by the Blanco County Court.
• Felony DUI (3rd offense or more, Intoxication Assault, or Intoxication Manslaughter): These cases are handled by the 33rd and 424th Judicial District Courts.

The Blanco County Court is presided over by the Hon. Brett Bray, who also serves as the chief administrator of the county. The 33rd and 424th District Courts have concurrent jurisdiction over Blanco, Burnet, Llano, and San Saba counties. Hon. J. Allan Garrett presides over the 33rd District Court, and Hon. Evan Stubbs presides over the 424th District Court. Due to the multi-county setup, the District Judges rotate between courthouses, so they are only physically present in Blanco County on specific days of the month.

The District Clerk, Celia Doyle, handles all filings for felony cases.

The Blanco County Court utilizes "Status Dockets" to manage case flow, ensuring counsel is retained and discovery is exchanged.

**Location(s) and Hours:*(No courthouse data available yet)

**How to Find Your Court Date:*Contact the Blanco County Clerk's office or your attorney to find your court date.

The Court Process Timeline

1. Arraignment (First Appearance)

• When it Happens: The arraignment is typically the first court appearance after a DUI arrest.
• What to Expect: At the arraignment, you will be formally advised of the charges against you and your rights. The judge will also set bond conditions if you have not already been released.
• Entering a Plea: You will be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
• Getting a Court-Appointed Attorney: If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a court-appointed attorney. The Hill Country Regional Public Defender’s Office or a wheel of appointed private attorneys manage indigent defense in Blanco County.

2. Pre-Trial Hearings

• Discovery Process: The discovery process involves the exchange of information between the prosecution and the defense. This may include police reports, lab results, and witness statements.
• Plea Negotiations: Plea negotiations involve discussions between the prosecution and the defense to reach a resolution without going to trial.
• Typical Plea Deals in Blanco County: Plea deals vary depending on the specific facts of the case and your prior criminal history.

3. Trial (If No Plea Deal)

• Jury vs. Bench Trial: You have the right to a jury trial or a bench trial (where the judge decides the case).
• What Prosecution Must Prove: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving while intoxicated.
• Common Defenses: Common defenses to DUI charges include challenging the accuracy of the breath or blood test, arguing that the police lacked probable cause to stop you, or claiming that you were not intoxicated.
• Typical Trial Length: Trial length varies depending on the complexity of the case.

Penalties for DUI in Blanco County, TX

Penalties for DUI in Blanco County are determined by Texas state law and can vary depending on prior offenses and other factors.

First Offense

• Jail Time: Under Texas law, a first-offense DUI (Driving While Intoxicated) is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a jail sentence of 72 hours to 180 days.
• Fines: The fine for a first-offense DUI can be up to $2,000, as per Texas law.
• License Suspension: A first DUI offense can result in a driver's license suspension of 90 days to one year.
• Other Requirements: You may also be required to complete a DWI education program, perform community service, and install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), especially with a BAC exceeding 0.15.

Second Offense

A second DUI offense is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas.

• Jail Time: Potential jail time ranges from 30 days to one year.
• Fines: Fines can reach up to $4,000.
• License Suspension: The license suspension period increases to six months to two years.
• Mandatory IID: Installation of an IID is typically mandatory.

Third Offense

A third DUI offense is a third-degree felony in Texas.

• Prison Time: Prison time ranges from two to 10 years.
• Fines: Fines can reach up to $10,000.
• License Revocation: You face a significant risk of permanent license revocation.

Court Programs in Blanco County

• Diversion Programs: (No data available yet)
• Drug Court: (No data available yet)
• DUI Court: (No data available yet)
• Community Service Opportunities: (No data available yet)

What to Bring to Court

• Photo ID
• Court summons
• Any documentation related to your case
• Professional dress code

Local Court Procedures

Blanco County courts enforce strict standards of conduct. The "Local Rules of Court" explicitly prohibit shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and hats (for men) in the courtroom. A defendant dressed inappropriately will be denied entry, potentially leading to a "Failure to Appear" warrant. "Business casual" is the operational minimum. There is also a strict ban on the use of cell phones. Phones must be turned off or silenced. Photography or recording of any kind is prohibited and can result in immediate confiscation of the device and a contempt citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: If I am arrested for DUI in Blanco County, will I be held in the Blanco County Jail?*A: Not necessarily. A defendant arrested in Blanco might not remain in Johnson City and could be transported to the Burnet County Jail. The agreement stipulates that Burnet generally returns inmates to Blanco prior to release, but direct release from Burnet is possible upon written request.

**Q: What is the typical bond amount for a first-time DUI in Blanco County?*A: Bonds typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 for a first-time DWI offense.

**Q: Are there any Ignition Interlock Device (IID) service centers in Blanco County?*A: Blanco County represents a "service desert" for fixed-location IID providers. Defendants are typically forced to travel to neighboring jurisdictions for installation and monthly calibration, such as Marble Falls (Burnet County) or Dripping Springs/Austin (Hays/Travis County). Mobile installation solutions are available from providers like LifeSafer, Johnny’s Interlock, and SmartStart.

Sources

• Operational and Logistical Analysis of DUI Defense Procedures in Blanco County, Texas
• Local Rules - 424th District Court