Burleson County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Burleson, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Burleson County can be a disorienting experience. This guide is designed to provide immediate, practical information to help you navigate the legal process following your arrest. We'll cover everything from what happens in the first 24 hours to understanding your court dates and license implications, focusing on the specific procedures and resources available in Burleson County, Texas.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Burleson

The moments after a DUI arrest are critical. You'll be taken into custody, likely to a detention facility, and processed. Understanding the timeline and your rights is essential. This guide will walk you through those crucial first steps, helping you understand what to expect and what actions you need to take to protect your future.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• At the Scene: After being pulled over and failing field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer, you will be arrested.
• Transportation to Jail: You will be transported to the Burleson County Jail.
• Booking: The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
• Phone Calls: You will typically be allowed to make a phone call shortly after booking. Use this call wisely – contacting a family member or attorney is crucial.
• Bail: Bail will be set, allowing you to be released from jail pending your court date. This amount can vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing challenges the suspension of your driver's license. Missing this deadline automatically suspends your license.
• Arraignment: You will receive a notice for your arraignment, your first court appearance. This is where you'll be formally charged and enter a plea.
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended, typically 40 days after your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Burleson

While specific DUI checkpoint locations aren't publicly advertised, it's important to be aware that law enforcement in Burleson County actively enforces DUI laws. Be especially cautious during holiday weekends and evenings, as these are often peak enforcement times.

Local Resources

• Burleson County Court (Lockhart): 110 S. Main Street, Room 102, Lockhart, Texas 78644. Phone: (512) 398-1952
• Burleson County Court (Huntsville): PO Box 99, Huntsville, Texas 77342-0099. Phone: (800) 848-4284
• Burleson County Court (Caldwell): 1334 St. Hwy 21 E., Caldwell, Texas 77836. Phone: 979-567-4343
• Burleson County Jail Visitation: Thursdays and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm (As of January 1, 2025).
• Inmate Phone System: Homewav.com. Inmates can also buy phone time from commissary.
• Commissary: tigersnack.com.
• Inmate Lookup: https://vinelink.com/#state-selection
• Texas DMV Appointment Scheduler: https://public.txdpsscheduler.com/
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info - search online for local Burleson County bail bondsmen)
• DUI Attorneys: (General info - search online for qualified DUI attorneys in Burleson County)

What Makes Burleson Different

Burleson County's court system operates across multiple locations (Lockhart, Huntsville, and Caldwell), so it's crucial to confirm the correct location for your specific case. You can use the provided phone numbers to verify the address and time of your court dates. Furthermore, knowing the visitation hours for the Burleson County Jail (Thursdays and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm as of January 1, 2025) and the inmate phone and commissary systems (Homewav.com and tigersnack.com respectively) allows you to promptly connect with and support a loved one who has been arrested. Also, because of the DMV appointment scheduler, it's important to make an appointment as soon as possible.

To request an ALR hearing and protect your driving privileges, immediately contact the Texas Department of Public Safety. You can find information and forms on their website. Remember, you only have 15 days!