Fort Bend County DWI Bail Guide

Bail amounts, how bonds work, and what to expect when getting released.

Last verified: January 6, 2026

DWI Bail Amounts

Offense	Bail
1st Offense	$500 – $1,000
2nd Offense	$2,500 – $5,000
Felony (3rd+)	$10,000+
With Child	$10,000+

Amounts vary by criminal history, BAC level, and circumstances. Bondsman fee: 10% (non-refundable).

How Bail Bonds Work

The Process

Contact a bondsman

Available 24/7

Pay 10% fee

Non-refundable

Bondsman posts bail

They guarantee the court

You're released

Must attend all court dates

Co-Signer Warning

If you co-sign, you are legally responsible if the defendant fails to appear.

100% liable for full bail amount
Collateral (house, car) can be seized
Cannot cancel once signed

Release Timeline

Booking

2-8 hrs

Fingerprints, photos, background check

Arraignment

24-48 hrs

Judge sets bail amount

Bail Posted

1-4 hrs

Paperwork signed, fee paid

Release

2-6 hrs

Property returned

Booking

2-8 hours

Fingerprints, photos, background check

Arraignment

24-48 hours

Judge sets bail amount

Bail Posted

1-4 hours

Paperwork signed

Release

2-6 hours

Property returned

Total: 12-48 Hours

Weekends and holidays take longer.

You're Out. Now What?

Critical Deadlines

Request ALR Hearing

15 Days

Miss = auto suspension

Get Your Vehicle

ASAP

Fees add up daily

Hire Attorney

Soon

Better outcomes

Court Dates

All

Missing = warrant

FAQ

The central hub for all DUI bookings in Fort Bend County is the detention facility located at 1410 Richmond Parkway, Richmond, Texas 77469.

Fort Bend County DUI Bail: What to Expect

Getting arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Fort Bend County can be a disorienting experience. Understanding the bail process is crucial for securing your release and beginning to address the charges against you. This guide provides localized information about DUI bail in Fort Bend County.

Jail Release Logistics

The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office (FBCSO) explicitly states that processing takes approximately four (4) hours from the time of booking before the bonding office can even confirm information. This means that after being booked into the Fort Bend County Jail, it typically takes around 4 hours before bail can be posted and confirmed.

Jail operations are subject to shift changes, typically occurring at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Releases during these windows are notoriously slow. A defendant who posts bond at 5:30 PM may not be physically released until well after 8:00 PM due to the administrative freeze that occurs during the shift handover and inmate headcount procedures.

Bail Amounts for DUI Offenses

Fort Bend County utilizes a bail schedule that provides a baseline for bond amounts, though magistrates retain discretion. The bail amount is heavily influenced by the defendant's history and the specific circumstances of the arrest (e.g., BAC level, accident involvement).

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) as a Condition of Bond

For many DWI defendants in Fort Bend County, especially repeat offenders or those with high BAC (>0.15), an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a mandatory condition of bond. Three major players dominate the local market: Smart Start, Intoxalock, and LifeSafer.

Smart Start has a high density of locations, making it a convenient choice for defendants who travel. Locations include 15500 Voss Rd Ste 255 in Sugar Land and locations on Murphy Rd in Stafford/Missouri City. Intoxalock has locations at 9914 FM 361 Rd and 51 E Hwy 90 A in Richmond, and 16053 Lexington Blvd in Sugar Land.

The central hub for all DUI bookings in the county is the detention facility located at 1410 Richmond Parkway, Richmond, Texas 77469.

Sources