Comal County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Comal, TX: Complete Guide

Getting arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Comal County, Texas can be a frightening and confusing experience. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you understand what happens next, what your rights are, and how to navigate the legal process. We'll cover everything from immediate steps after your arrest to critical deadlines, bail, license suspension, and finding local resources. This guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and protect your future.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are crucial. Here's a timeline of what to expect:

• Initial Stop and Arrest: The process begins with a traffic stop, likely due to suspected impaired driving. The officer may administer field sobriety tests (FSTs) and a breathalyzer or blood test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC). If the officer believes you are impaired, you will be arrested.

• Transportation to Comal County Jail: Following the arrest, you will be transported to the Comal County Jail.

• Booking Process: At the jail, you will be booked. This involves:

• Photographing (mugshot)

• Fingerprinting

• Inventory of personal belongings

• Medical screening

• Placement in a holding cell

• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls. It is highly recommended that your first call be to an attorney. If you don't have one, call a trusted family member or friend who can help you find legal representation.

• Bail Setting: A judge or magistrate will set your bail amount. The bail amount in Comal County can vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest, your prior criminal record, and other factors. (See "What Makes Comal Different" below for typical bail amounts.)

• Release: You can be released from jail in one of several ways:

• Posting bail (either yourself or through a bail bondsman)

• Being released on personal recognizance (a promise to appear in court)

• Waiting for a court hearing where the judge may lower or eliminate bail.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines in a DUI case can have serious consequences. Pay close attention to these timelines:

• ALR Hearing Deadline (15 Days): This is perhaps the most crucial deadline. After your DUI arrest, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will automatically suspend your driver's license. You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Requesting this hearing will temporarily prevent the license suspension from taking effect. Failing to request the hearing within 15 days means your license will be suspended automatically.

• Court Appearance Dates: You will receive a notice of your first court appearance, also known as an arraignment. It's essential to appear at all scheduled court dates. Failure to appear can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest and additional penalties.

• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the ALR hearing, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension depends on several factors, including whether it's your first offense and your BAC level.

DUI Enforcement in Comal

DUI enforcement in Comal County is typically conducted by the Comal County Sheriff's Office and local police departments within cities like New Braunfels. They actively patrol roadways, especially during weekends and holidays, looking for signs of impaired driving. Be aware that sobriety checkpoints, while not common, are legal in Texas.

Local Resources

• Comal Court Information: Information about the Comal County courts and their procedures. (Note: Courthouse data unavailable currently - research and update when available). Contact the Comal County Clerk's office for specific information about your case.
• Bail Bondsmen in the Area: Search online directories for licensed bail bondsmen operating in Comal County.
• DUI Attorneys: It is highly recommended to contact a qualified DUI attorney. Search online for attorneys specializing in DUI defense in Comal County. Look for attorneys with experience handling cases similar to yours.

What Makes Comal Different

While Texas DUI laws are consistent across the state, some county-specific nuances can impact your case in Comal County:

• Local Procedures: Be aware that specific court procedures may vary slightly in Comal County. Your attorney will be familiar with these local practices.

• County-Specific Programs: Check with your attorney and the court to see if there are any specific diversion programs or alternative sentencing options available in Comal County for DUI offenders.

• Typical Bail Amounts: While bail amounts can vary, a first-time DUI offense in Comal County typically has a bail amount ranging from $500 to $2,000. This is an estimate and can be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Aggravating factors such as a high BAC, an accident, or prior offenses can increase the bail amount.

This guide provides a general overview of the DUI process in Comal County. It is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult with an experienced DUI attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and protect your rights.