Floyd County Vehicle Impound Guide

Floyd County DUI: Understanding Vehicle Impoundment

If you've been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Floyd County, Texas, your vehicle was likely impounded. Knowing your rights and the proper procedures is crucial to getting your vehicle back and navigating the legal process effectively. Unlike larger cities, Floyd County operates differently when it comes to impoundment due to its rural nature.

Why Was My Car Impounded?

In Floyd County, a vehicle is impounded following a DWI arrest for two primary reasons: as evidence ("instrumentality of the crime") or for safekeeping under the "community caretaking doctrine." Unlike some jurisdictions, Floyd County doesn't have a central, unified municipal impound lot. Instead, the arresting agency (Floyd County Sheriff's Office, DPS, or Floydada Police Department) will typically use a rotation of private towing companies, with Floydada Towing (806-616-2076) likely being the first call for stops within Floydada city limits due to its quick response time.

Finding Your Impounded Vehicle

The first step is to determine which agency made the arrest. If it was the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), contact them at 125 E California Street, Floydada, TX. If it was a DPS Trooper, the vehicle might have been towed further away, potentially requiring you to contact the DPS Lubbock regional archives for vehicle information. The Floydada Police Department would likely use Floydada Towing. Be prepared to provide your driver's license and vehicle registration information. Expect to pay towing and storage fees to retrieve your vehicle. The exact amount will vary depending on the towing company and the length of storage.

The 15-Day ALR Deadline: A Critical First Step

Alongside retrieving your vehicle, understand the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Miss this deadline, and your license will be automatically suspended: 90 days for refusing a breath or blood test, or 180 days for failing one. This ALR hearing, though stemming from a Floyd County arrest, will be handled through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and is likely docketed out of Lubbock. Don't assume you have plenty of time; act quickly.

Navigating the Court System in Floyd County

DWI cases in Floyd County are handled in two different courts, depending on whether it's a misdemeanor or a felony.

• Misdemeanor DWI (Class A or B): This is handled by the Floyd County Court, presided over by County Judge Marty Lucke. The Court Coordinator is Alyssa Bennett, and the court is located at 105 South Main Street, Room 105, Floydada, TX. Judge Lucke is not required to be a licensed attorney. If you are found guilty in this court, you have the right to a Trial De Novo in the appellate court.

• Felony DWI (3rd offense or DWI with Child Passenger): Felony cases are handled by the 110th District Court, which also covers Briscoe and Dickens Counties. The Presiding Judge is Hon. William P. (Bill) Smith. The Court Coordinator is Nikki Seymour, and the court is located at 105 S. Main, Room 204. This court adheres strictly to legal procedures and evidence rules.

The County Clerk, KeeLee Rawls, (Mon-Thu 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM) maintains records for Misdemeanor Court, while the District Clerk, MaryJane Cisneros, maintains records for Felony Court. The 110th District Court accepts electronic filings through the Texas eFile system.

Finding Legal Representation

Floyd County is a "legal desert," meaning there aren't many local attorneys specializing in criminal defense. Most people hire attorneys from Plainview or Lubbock. Some options to consider:

• Paul Holloway (Plainview): 207 E 6th St, Plainview.
• Laney Law Firm (Plainview): Established firm serving the Hale/Floyd corridor since 1977.
• Dunham & Jones: A major firm with a heavy marketing presence in the region.
• Texas Criminal Defense Group: Lubbock-based, specialized DWI defense.

For those who cannot afford an attorney, the court uses a "Court Appointed Attorney List" maintained by the District Clerk.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

If required, one positive aspect is the availability of a locally certified Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installer in Floyd County. This eliminates the need to travel to Lubbock or Plainview for installation and maintenance, saving time and money.

Occupational Driver's License

If your license is suspended, you may be eligible for an Occupational Driver's License (ODL). The local Texas DPS Driver License office, located at the Floyd County Courthouse, 105 South Main Street #107, can process your ODL application once you have the court order. The office operates by appointment through the statewide DPS scheduling system.

Next Steps

Immediately after a DWI arrest, focus on two key areas: vehicle retrieval and protecting your driving privileges. Contact the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office at 806-983-2865 to inquire about your vehicle, and promptly seek legal counsel to understand your rights and begin the ALR hearing process.