Floyd County License Hearing Guide

Navigating a DWI arrest in Floyd County, Texas, requires understanding its unique legal landscape. You're facing a hybrid system where local authority intertwines with regional services. This guide provides critical information from arrest to compliance, helping you navigate the process.

Immediate Actions After a Floyd County DWI Arrest

The clock starts ticking immediately. You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic license suspension (90 days for a failed breath/blood test, 180 days for refusing to submit to testing). This hearing is not held in Floyd County, but rather handled by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) out of the Lubbock region. Don't delay; contact an attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected.

Understanding Law Enforcement and Statistical Quirks

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), led by Sheriff Paul Raissez and located at 125 E California Street, Floydada, TX, is the central intake facility for all arrests. However, don't be misled by potentially low DWI arrest statistics attributed directly to the FCSO in state reports. These reports often show near-zero DWI arrests for the FCSO due to arrests being attributed to DPS Troopers instead. In reality, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) frequently initiates DWI investigations on Highways 62 and 70. Therefore, the absence of data in state reporting does NOT mean DWI enforcement isn’t active in the area. If DPS initiated the stop, video evidence and incident reports may reside in DPS Lubbock regional archives, not FCSO local servers.

Vehicle Impoundment and Towing

Following a DWI arrest, your vehicle will be impounded. In Floyd County, unlike larger cities, there's no single municipal impound lot. The vehicle disposition depends on the arresting agency and the location of the stop. Floydada Towing (806-616-2076) appears to be the primary local option for municipal stops within Floydada. Contact them to locate your vehicle.

Navigating the Floyd County Court System

Your DWI case will be handled by one of two courts:

Misdemeanor DWI Cases: Floyd County Court

Class A and Class B Misdemeanor DWI offenses are heard in the Floyd County Court. Judge Marty Lucke presides as the Constitutional County Judge. Note that Constitutional County Judges in rural Texas are not required to be licensed attorneys. If you lose in this court, you have the right to a Trial De Novo in the appellate court – a "second bite at the apple." The Court Coordinator is Alyssa Bennett, and the court is located at 105 South Main Street, Room 105, Floydada, TX.

Felony DWI Cases: 110th District Court

Felony DWI cases (3rd offense, DWI with Child Passenger) are under the jurisdiction of the 110th Judicial District Court. Judge William P. (Bill) Smith, a licensed attorney, presides. This court covers Floyd, Briscoe, and Dickens Counties, and rotates between them. Docket calls in Floydada are scheduled periodically, so missing a court date can cause significant delays. The Court Coordinator is Nikki Seymour. It is located at 105 S. Main, Room 204.

Clerk Operations

The County Clerk, KeeLee Rawls (succeeding Ginger Morgan), maintains records for Misdemeanor Court. The filing hours are Mon-Thu 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Note the early Friday closure.

The District Clerk, MaryJane Cisneros, maintains records for Felony Court. The 110th District Court accepts electronic filings through the Texas eFile system.

Driver's License Reinstatement and the Local DPS Office

Floyd County has a Texas DPS Driver License office at the Floyd County Courthouse, 105 South Main Street #107. This office operates by appointment using the statewide DPS scheduling system. It's especially valuable if you need to apply for an Occupational Driver's License (ODL) after a court order is signed. Wait times here are typically shorter than in larger metro areas.

Legal Representation and the "Legal Desert"

Floyd County lacks a substantial local bar of criminal defense attorneys. You will likely need to retain counsel from Plainview (Hale County) or Lubbock. Consider these options:

• Paul Holloway (Plainview): 207 E 6th St, Plainview.
• Laney Law Firm (Plainview): Serving the Hale/Floyd corridor since 1977.
• Dunham & Jones: With a heavy marketing presence in the region, offering payment plans.
• Texas Criminal Defense Group: Lubbock-based, providing specialized DWI defense.

If you cannot afford counsel, the courts utilize a "Court Appointed Attorney List" maintained by the District Clerk.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Installation

Surprisingly, Floyd County has a locally certified Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installer, simplifying compliance. Contact the Floyd County Courthouse for a list of approved installers in the area.

Starting the ALR hearing process within 15 days of your arrest is crucial. Contact Paul Holloway in Plainview at 207 E 6th St, Plainview, who explicitly lists Floyd County as a primary practice area, to discuss your defense options immediately.