Collin County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Collin County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Collin County, Texas, can be a disorienting experience. This guide is designed to provide you with immediate, practical steps you can take right now to navigate the legal and administrative challenges ahead. From understanding the booking process to retrieving your vehicle and protecting your driving privileges, we'll walk you through what you need to know, specifically for Collin County.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Collin County

Following a DUI arrest in Collin County, you'll be taken into custody. The arresting officer will likely transport you to a local law enforcement facility for processing. The exact facility will depend on the arresting agency. This guide provides resources to help you navigate these immediate steps and understand what's coming next.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest: The arrest initiates the process. The officer will read you your Miranda rights and conduct field sobriety tests. Refusal of these tests can lead to immediate license suspension.
• Booking: You will be transported to the Collin County jail or a local police station for booking. This involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
• Phone Calls: You have the right to make a reasonable number of phone calls. Use this opportunity to contact a family member, friend, or attorney.
• Bail: Bail is set to ensure your appearance in court. The amount varies based on the charges and your criminal history. A bail bondsman can assist if you cannot afford the full amount.
• Release: Once bail is posted, you will be released with a court date. Make sure you understand the terms of your release and the consequences of violating them.

Critical Deadlines

• 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 results in automatic suspension.
• Court Appearance: The date on your release paperwork is your first court appearance. Missing this court date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended 40 days after the notice of suspension. The duration of the suspension depends on prior offenses.

DUI Enforcement in Collin County

While specific checkpoint locations are not publicly available, it's important to note that Collin County law enforcement agencies actively conduct DUI enforcement. Be aware of increased patrols during holidays and weekends.

Local Resources

• Collin County Justice Court, Precinct 3: 920 E. Park Blvd., Suite 210, Plano, TX 75074. Phone: (972) 881-3051 or Metro (972) 424-1460. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Collin County Justice Court, Precinct 4: 8585 John Wesley, Suite 130, Frisco, TX 75034. Phone: (972) 731-7300. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Signature Towing: (972-423-4010) - Verify your vehicle's location.
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info - search online for local Collin County bail bondsmen)
• DUI Attorneys: (General info - search online for qualified DUI attorneys in Collin County)

What Makes Collin County Different

Collin County has some unique aspects to consider when facing a DUI charge:

• Tow Hearings: If you believe your vehicle was illegally towed (e.g., parked legally, signage missing), you can request a tow hearing in either Precinct 3 (Central/East Plano) or Precinct 4 (Frisco/West Plano) Justice of the Peace Courts, depending on where the tow occurred. The filing fee is approximately $54.00. If you cannot afford this fee, you can file a "Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs".
• Impound Options: If you can't afford insurance to retrieve your car, you can have it "towed out" by a licensed third-party tow truck. This requires paying impound fees plus the cost of the secondary tow. Alternatively, if the fees are too high and the car's value is low, you can negotiate surrendering the title to the Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) to waive the fees.
• Impound Fees: Be aware of how storage fees accrue. The daily storage rate is $22.85 for vehicles 25 feet or less. Storage fees are charged per calendar day; however, if your vehicle is on the lot for less than 12 hours spanning two days, you should only be charged for one day.
• Impound Payment: Signature Towing is required to accept cash, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), and debit cards.
• Retrieving Belongings: You have the right to access your vehicle at the impound lot to retrieve personal belongings without charge.
• Lunch Hour Closures: Be aware that administrative staff at court offices may take lunch breaks, typically between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, potentially delaying processing.

Before heading to Signature Towing to retrieve your vehicle, make sure you have your valid photo ID, proof of ownership (title or registration), payment for all fees, and proof of insurance. If you don't have your title or registration, you can sign an "Affidavit of Right of Possession and Control" (Form VSF013) at the window.