Denton County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Denton County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Denton County, Texas, throws you into a complex system that can feel overwhelming. Don't underestimate the logistical challenges. As the Denton County DUI Defendant Logistics Report notes, the system is designed to extract compliance through immediate, administrative, and logistical hurdles long before your court date. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the process, understand your rights, and take the necessary steps to protect your future.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Denton County

Following a DUI arrest in Denton County, you'll quickly realize that the legal process is only one part of the battle. The system prioritizes rapid roadway clearance, creating immediate complications with your vehicle, your license, and your freedom. This guide breaks down the critical steps you need to take, from understanding impound procedures to navigating the ALR hearing process, all with a focus on the unique aspects of Denton County's DUI system.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• At the Scene: After being pulled over and failing field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer, you'll be arrested and your vehicle will be seized.
• Transportation to Jail: You'll be transported to the Denton County Jail. Remember that the arresting officer is unlikely to provide information about where your car will be towed.
• Booking Process: At the jail, you'll be processed, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a health screening.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after booking. Use this opportunity to contact a loved one or an attorney.
• Bail: Bail amounts in Denton County vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your prior criminal record. A bondsman can help facilitate your release.
• Vehicle Impound: Your vehicle will be towed by a private towing company on rotation with either the Denton Police Department (DPD) or the Denton County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Finding out which company towed your car is a key first step. Unlike Dallas or Fort Worth, Denton County doesn't have an online "AutoPound" search tool. You'll need to call the non-emergency police line or the Sheriff’s dispatch during business hours to find out which company has your vehicle.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice of your court date. This is separate from the ALR hearing and concerns the criminal charges against you.
• License Suspension: If you fail the ALR hearing or miss the deadline to request one, your license will be suspended, typically for 90 days for failing a breath or blood test and 180 days for refusing.

DUI Enforcement in Denton County

Denton County's DUI enforcement is handled primarily by the Denton Police Department (DPD) and the Denton County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Enforcement patterns include:

• Rotation List Towing: The use of a rotation list of private Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) for impounding vehicles after a DUI arrest.
• No Refusal Weekends: While specific data is not available from this report, many Texas counties participate in "No Refusal" weekends, where warrants are readily obtained to compel blood draws if a suspect refuses a breath test. Inquire with your attorney about whether this was in effect at the time of your arrest.

Local Resources

• Denton Police Department (DPD): Non-emergency line to locate your vehicle after impound. Call during business hours.
• Denton County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO): Non-emergency line to locate your vehicle after impound. Call during business hours.
• State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH): Handles ALR hearings. Note that post-2020, the vast majority of ALR hearings are conducted via Zoom or telephone. If an in-person hearing is granted (rare), it would likely occur at a regional SOAH office or a designated space in a DPS facility. Denton DPS: 820 N. Loop 288. Carrollton DPS: 4600 SH 121.
• Reinstatement Fee: If your license is suspended, you will need to pay a $125.00 reinstatement fee to DPS.
• Secure Email: DPS communicates hearing information via "Secure Email," which often filters to "Spam" or "Junk" folders.
• Expedited Fax: For expedited processing of compliance documents, insiders often use the direct fax line to the License and Record Service in Austin: 512-424-2848.

What Makes Denton County Different

Denton County presents unique challenges for DUI defendants:

• Decentralized Impound System: Unlike counties with a central impound lot, Denton relies on a network of private Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs). This makes locating your vehicle more difficult and potentially more expensive.
• "Midnight" Multiplier on Storage Fees: VSFs can charge a full day's storage fee for any part of a day the vehicle is on the lot. However, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) rules state that a VSF may not charge for more than one day of storage if the vehicle is held for less than 12 hours, even if that period spans two calendar days. Be aware of this "12-hour rule" to avoid being overcharged.
• Virtual ALR Hearings: The majority of ALR hearings are conducted via Zoom or telephone, placing the burden of technology on the defendant.
• SR-22 Insurance Requirement: If your license is suspended, you will likely be required to obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate, which can significantly increase your insurance rates.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Challenges: If required to install an IID, be aware of the potential for "parasitic drain" on your car battery, especially during cold weather. Also, the chaotic construction zones on I-35E and Loop 288 can make the "Rolling Retest" difficult and dangerous.

To start getting your car back, contact the Denton Police Department or the Denton County Sheriff's Department non-emergency line during business hours to find out which towing company has your vehicle.