Brewster County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Brewster County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Brewster County, Texas can feel overwhelming, especially given its vast geography. As the largest county in Texas by land area, the procedures and logistics differ significantly from more populated areas. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the process, from understanding bail procedures to recovering your vehicle. We'll focus on the unique aspects of the Brewster County legal landscape, giving you a clearer path forward.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

After a DUI arrest in Brewster County, here's what to expect in the first 24 hours:

1. Arrest and Booking: You will likely be arrested by either the Alpine Police Department (APD) or the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). You'll be transported to the Brewster County Jail, located at 307 West Sul Ross Avenue, Alpine, Texas 79830.
2. Booking Process: The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. Your personal belongings will be inventoried and stored until your release.
3. Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make a reasonable number of phone calls, typically to arrange for bail or contact an attorney.
4. Magistration: A crucial step is being "magistrated," where a Justice of the Peace (JP) informs you of the charges against you and your rights. In Brewster County, magistration typically happens once daily, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. An arrest on a Friday afternoon could mean waiting until Saturday morning to be magistrated and have bail set.
5. Bail: Bail is set by the JP. Brewster County lacks a saturated bond market, with the Sheriff and County Judge regulating a small list of approved sureties. Because there are no specific charitable bail organizations operating within Brewster County, indigent defendants must rely on court-appointed attorneys and potential Personal Recognizance (PR) bonds.

Critical Deadlines

Several deadlines are crucial to your DUI case:

• 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. Missing this deadline automatically suspends your license.
• Court Appearance Dates: Your initial court appearance (arraignment) date will be set soon after your arrest. This date is crucial as it marks the beginning of your formal legal proceedings.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the hearing, your license suspension will begin approximately 40 days after your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Brewster County

DUI enforcement in Brewster County presents unique challenges due to the county's size and sparse population. While specific checkpoint locations or saturation patrol dates aren't publicly advertised, be aware that enforcement is likely increased during holidays and events in tourist areas like Terlingua, Lajitas, and Big Bend National Park. The long distances between these areas and Alpine, where the county's resources are centralized, can create logistical hurdles after an arrest.

Local Resources

• Brewster County Jail: 307 West Sul Ross Avenue, Alpine, Texas 79830. Phone: (432) 837-6200 Ext. 5541 (Sheriff’s Main Line/Dispatch).
• Alpine Police Department: 309 W Sul Ross, Alpine, TX (for Release Form)
• Brewster County Sheriff’s Office: 201 W Ave E, Alpine, TX (for Release Form)
• Highland Automotive / Smart Start (Primary Impound Facility): 104 South Harmon Drive, Alpine, Texas 79830. Phone: (432) 538-3396.
• Alpine Towing, LLC (Secondary & Heavy Duty Operator): Phone: (432) 837-3486 (Dispatched via Law Enforcement).
• Brewster County Court: Information regarding court dates and procedures can be obtained by contacting the Brewster County Clerk's office.
• DUI Attorneys: While this guide does not endorse specific attorneys, searching online directories or contacting the State Bar of Texas can help you find qualified legal representation in the Brewster County area.
• Bail Bondsmen: A list of approved bail bondsmen can be obtained from the Brewster County Sheriff's Office or the County Clerk's office.

What Makes Brewster County Different

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

• The "Distance Penalty": Brewster County's vast size means that towing costs can be significantly higher than in urban areas. For example, a DWI arrest in Terlingua involves a tow of approximately 80 miles to Alpine, potentially costing over $800 due to mileage and fuel surcharges. Always audit the tow ticket for mileage accuracy and compare it with GPS data from the arrest report.
• Impound Lot Monopoly: Highland Automotive functions as both a towing/impound provider and the primary Smart Start ignition interlock installer, creating a streamlined but monopolistic pathway for defendants.
• The "Midnight" Storage Multiplier: Local operators may attempt to charge for two days of storage if your vehicle is on the lot overnight, even if for less than 12 hours. Demand the precise "Time of Arrival" log and verify fees against TDLR regulations.
• The 12-Hour Sobriety Hold (The Stypmann Gap): Even if you bond out of jail quickly, the APD or BCSO may refuse to issue the Impound Release Form for at least 12 hours from the time of arrest. To bypass this, designate a sober third party as an "authorized representative" to pick up the vehicle. You'll need to sign a release, possibly needing notarization or officer witness.
• The "Magistrate Gap": The limited availability of Justices of the Peace can create delays in setting bail, especially for arrests occurring on weekends or holidays.

Before heading to Highland Automotive to retrieve your vehicle, remember to obtain the "Blue Slip" / Release Form from either the APD station (309 W Sul Ross) or BCSO (201 W Ave E). Make sure you have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of ownership.