Comal County DWI Guide

DUI Arrest in Comal County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Comal County can be a stressful and confusing experience. In 2024, there were 1,001 DWI arrests in Comal County, a 10.1% increase from the previous year, reflecting above-average enforcement compared to similar Texas counties. This guide provides a roadmap of the steps you'll need to take, deadlines you need to meet, and resources available to navigate the Comal County legal system.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Immediately following a DWI arrest, you will be taken into custody by one of the primary arresting agencies, such as the Comal County Sheriff's Office, the New Braunfels Police Department, or the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol. You'll be transported to the Comal County Jail located at 3000 IH 35 S, New Braunfels, TX 78130. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. You can contact the jail at 830-620-3450.

The time from booking to release generally takes 4 to 12 hours, depending on arrest volume, blood draw processing (if a warrant was obtained), and the magistrate judge's schedule. You will be allowed to make phone calls, but these may be limited in duration and number.

Bail will be set by a magistrate judge during a mandatory magistration hearing. The standard bail amount for a first-time DUI offense typically ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on the specific case facts, such as BAC levels and collision involvement. For a second offense, bail amounts generally range from $2,500 to $5,000. Personal Recognizance (PR) bonds, which don't require upfront financial collateral, are available but are restricted to those with a clean criminal history, strong community ties, and the absence of aggravating factors.

Critical Deadlines

Several critical deadlines follow a DUI arrest in Texas:

• ALR Hearing: You have 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. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance Dates: You will receive a notice for your initial court appearance. Missing this date can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. Note that the clerk's office no longer physically mails hard copies of Court Orders or Notices of Court Orders. Pursuant to recent implementations of Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 21(f)(10), all parties are directed to obtain such documents exclusively through the state's electronic filing system, re:SearchTX.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the ALR hearing, your driver's license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending on the circumstances of the offense.

DUI Enforcement in Comal County

DWI enforcement in Comal County is proactive. Because sobriety checkpoints are illegal in Texas, law enforcement relies on saturation patrols, particularly along Interstate 35 frontage roads, State Highway 46, Farm to Market Road (FM) 306, and the roads around river outfitters and the downtown New Braunfels entertainment district.

Enforcement peaks on Friday and Saturday nights, aligning with the 2:00 AM bar closing time, and during late afternoons on summer weekends when river recreation concludes.

Comal County also utilizes "No Refusal Weekends," where the District Attorney's Office coordinates with on-call magistrate judges and medical personnel to quickly obtain search warrants for involuntary blood draws if a suspect refuses a breathalyzer or blood test. These operations are common during major holidays and local events like New Year's Eve, the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Fiesta.

Local Resources

• Comal County Jail: 3000 IH 35 S, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Phone: 830-620-3450. Comal County Sheriff's Office
• Magistrate Court: Comal County Magistrate Court
• Justice of the Peace Precinct 1: 145 David Jonas Dr, New Braunfels. Justice of the Peace 1
• Justice of the Peace Precinct 3: 3079 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels. Justice of the Peace 3
• County Court at Law Clerk's Office: County Court at Law Clerks Office
• Comal County Local Rules: Comal County Local Rules
• Comal County Law Library: Comal County Law Library
• Find My Towed Car: Texas DPS Towed Vehicle Locator

To find a licensed bail bondsman, browse our bail bond directory.

What Makes Comal County Different

Comal County has several unique aspects regarding DUI cases:

• Tourism Impact: The influx of tourists for river recreation during the summer places a strain on the Comal County Jail's booking capabilities and increases DWI enforcement.
• Accountability Court (DWI Court): The county operates a dedicated Accountability Court (DWI Court), a 15-month program that integrates continuous alcohol monitoring (SCRAM devices) and ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders.
• Wrecker Rotation List: Comal County operates on a strict "Wrecker Rotation List" managed by the Comal County Sheriff's Office to ensure fair distribution of towing services.
• Impound Lot Considerations: New Braunfels Towing is a primary affiliate for the local PD/Sheriff. Their release line is 830-606-3045. Hours of Operation (release hours): Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Electronic Court Documents: Once a misdemeanor case is officially initiated, the clerk's office no longer mails hard copies of Court Orders or Notices of Court Orders; all parties are directed to obtain such documents exclusively through the state's electronic filing system, re:SearchTX.

Remember, if your vehicle was impounded, ensure the arresting agency has lifted any "evidence holds" before attempting to retrieve it from the Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF).