Collin County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Collin County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Collin County can be a disorienting experience. This guide provides a clear overview of the steps you need to take, deadlines you must meet, and resources available to navigate the legal process. Understanding the bifurcated legal tracks—the criminal case in Collin County Courts and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process handled by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)—is crucial from the outset.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Collin County, the initial 24 hours are critical. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Arrest and Initial Detention: After being pulled over and failing field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer, you will be arrested by a law enforcement officer.
2. DIC-24 Statutory Warning: The officer will read you the DIC-24 Statutory Warning, informing you of the consequences of refusing or failing a breath or blood test under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 724.
3. Booking Process: You'll be transported to the Collin County jail for booking. This involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
4. DIC-25 Notice of Suspension: If you refused a breath or blood test, or if your breath test results exceeded the legal limit of 0.08, the officer will confiscate your physical driver's license and issue a DIC-25 Notice of Suspension and Temporary Driving Permit. This document is valid as a temporary license for 40 days from the date of arrest.
5. Phone Calls: You'll be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. Use this opportunity to contact a licensed bail bondsman and a DUI attorney.
6. Bail Setting: A judge will set your bail amount. The amount can vary. Posting bail allows you to be released from jail while awaiting court proceedings.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DUI case. Here are the key timelines to be aware of:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe results in automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance Date: Your first court appearance, also known as an arraignment, will be scheduled shortly after your arrest. The date will be on your release paperwork. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you failed or refused a breath/blood test and do not request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended. Refusal results in a 180-day suspension for a first offense, while failing (BAC ≥ 0.08) results in a 90-day suspension for a first offense.

DUI Enforcement in Collin County

Collin County law enforcement actively enforces DUI laws. While specific checkpoint locations are not pre-announced, understanding enforcement patterns can be helpful.

Local Resources

Here are some local resources to assist you after a DUI arrest in Collin County:

• Collin County Justice Court, Precinct 3: 920 E. Park Blvd., Suite 210, Plano, TX 75074
• Collin County Justice Court, Precinct 4: 8585 John Wesley, Suite 130, Frisco, TX 75034
• Signature Towing: 1204 Municipal Avenue

To find a licensed bail bondsman, you can search the directory on this site to locate a qualified professional in the Collin County area.

What Makes Collin County Different

Collin County has some unique aspects regarding DUI cases:

• Occupational Driver's Licenses (ODL): Collin County judges often favor a flexible "logbook" approach for Occupational Driver's Licenses (ODL), allowing drivers to log their driving time and mileage instead of adhering to strict time-of-day restrictions. This is explicitly outlined in the instructions for County Court at Law No. 1. The Standing Order typically requires the petitioner to carry a "logbook, such as a spiral notebook, to log your driving time and mileage".
• Tow Hearings: If your car was towed in Plano, the jurisdiction for a tow hearing will likely be Collin County Justice Court, Precinct 3 or Precinct 4. Filing fee is approximately $54.00.
• Impound Fees: If your vehicle is impounded by Signature Towing, keep in mind the daily storage rate of $22.85 per day (for vehicles 25 feet or less). Signature Towing is required to have personnel available to release the vehicle within one hour of the request.

Remember, the DIC-25 Notice of Suspension is valid immediately upon issuance. There is no statutory 12-hour waiting period for the permit to become active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to request an ALR hearing in Collin County? A: You have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing.

Q: What is the daily storage fee for impounded vehicles at Signature Towing in Plano? A: The daily storage rate is $22.85 per day for vehicles 25 feet or less.

Q: Where do I file a petition for an Occupational Driver's License (ODL) in Collin County? A: In Collin County, ODL petitions are typically filed in the County Courts at Law or the Justice of the Peace (JP) courts.

Find a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory or browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Collin County.

Sources

• Texas Transportation Code Chapters 524 and 724
• Collin County Justice Court, Precinct 3
• Collin County Justice Court, Precinct 4
• Signature Towing