Brazos County DWI Bail Guide

The Brazos County Detention Center (BCDC) is located at 1835 Sandy Point Road, Bryan, Texas 77807. It serves as the primary holding facility for DWI arrestees and others charged with Class B misdemeanors and above in the county.

Brazos County DUI Bail: What You Need to Know

Getting arrested for a DWI in Brazos County can be a confusing and stressful experience. This guide provides information specific to Brazos County to help you understand the bail process and navigate the initial stages of your case. Keep in mind that procedures can change, and consulting with an attorney is always recommended.

Local Bond Options

Brazos County offers several bond options. The choice often depends on your financial situation and how quickly you need to be released.

• Surety Bond: This involves paying a percentage (typically 10-20%) of the total bond amount to a bail bondsman. The bondsman guarantees the full amount to the court. This is generally the fastest way to secure release.
• Cash Bond: This requires posting the full bond amount with the court. The money is returned (minus court fees) upon completion of the case, assuming all court appearances are made.
• Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: A PR bond may be available to indigent defendants. An "Affidavit of Indigence" must be requested at the time of magistration. Even with a PR bond, the court may impose financial conditions of release, such as installing an interlock device.

Local Bail Schedule

While judges retain discretion, the Brazos County Misdemeanor Bail Schedule provides a baseline:

• Class B Misdemeanor (DWI 1st): Typically ranges from $500 to $2,500, influenced by factors like accident involvement or BAC level.
• Class A Misdemeanor (DWI 2nd or BAC > 0.15): The baseline increases to $2,500 - $5,000.

Release Timeline

A defining feature of DWI booking in Brazos County is the "Sobering Period." Jail procedures dictate that an intoxicated individual cannot be released until they are deemed safe, often requiring a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) below 0.08 or a fixed time window (e.g., 4, 6, or 8 hours) based on the intake BAC level. Even if a bond is posted quickly, release will be delayed until this "sobering period" expires.

Magistration, where bail is officially set, occurs in batches, typically once or twice a day, not individually upon arrival. If booked at 3:00 AM on a Saturday, a defendant may miss the early morning magistration list and wait until Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning.

The Brazos County Detention Center undergoes a shift change or "count" procedure between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, potentially delaying release even if bond paperwork is finalized around that time.

Financial Mechanics of Bail

If choosing to post a cash bond, be aware that payment requires exact cash or a cashier's check. Credit card payments via "GovPay" incur significant service fees. The refund is not automatic and requires a trip to the County Clerk or District Clerk’s office (located at the courthouse, not the jail) to file a request. The county then processes a check, which is mailed weeks later.

The Brazos County Detention Center is located at 1835 Sandy Point Road, Bryan, Texas 77807.