Freestone County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Freestone, TX: Complete Guide

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Freestone

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Freestone County, Texas, can be a frightening and confusing experience. This guide is designed to provide immediate, practical information to help you understand what happens next and what steps you need to take. We'll cover everything from the initial arrest to critical deadlines, bail, court proceedings, and getting your license and car back. This information is intended to provide guidance and should not be substituted for legal advice from a qualified attorney.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The hours following your DUI arrest in Freestone are crucial. Here's a breakdown of what typically happens:

• Arrest and Field Sobriety Tests: After being pulled over and suspected of DUI, the officer likely conducted field sobriety tests (FSTs). These tests are used to assess your coordination and mental acuity. You may have also been asked to provide a breath or blood sample to measure your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). Remember that in Texas, the legal BAC limit is 0.08.

• Transportation to Freestone County Jail: If the officer determined probable cause for DUI, you were arrested and transported to the Freestone County Jail.

• Booking Process: At the jail, you'll undergo the booking process. This includes:

• Providing your name, address, and other identifying information.

• Having your fingerprints and photograph taken.

• Your belongings will be inventoried and stored.

• You may be required to change into jail clothing.

• Phone Calls: You have the right to make a reasonable number of phone calls, typically to contact an attorney or a family member. Use these calls wisely. Contacting an attorney immediately is highly recommended.

• Bail: Bail is a financial security deposit that allows you to be released from jail while awaiting your court date. The amount of bail is set by a judge or according to a pre-determined bail schedule.

Critical Deadlines

Missing these deadlines can have serious consequences for your case.

• ALR Hearing Deadline (15 Days): One of the most critical deadlines is requesting an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You typically have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request this hearing. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license. The ALR hearing is separate from your criminal case and focuses solely on your driving privileges.

• Court Appearance Dates: You will receive a notice of your first court appearance, often called an arraignment. This is where you will be formally charged with DUI and have the opportunity to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). It is essential to attend all scheduled court dates. Failure to appear can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.

• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the hearing, your license suspension will begin, typically 40 days after the date of the notice. The length of the suspension depends on the circumstances of your case and whether you have any prior DUI convictions.

DUI Enforcement in Freestone

Freestone County, like other areas in Texas, actively enforces DUI laws. Be aware of the following:

• Increased Patrols: Expect increased law enforcement presence during holidays and weekends, when DUI incidents are more common.
• Sobriety Checkpoints: While not as common as in some other states, sobriety checkpoints are legal in Texas and may be conducted in Freestone County.
• Zero Tolerance: Texas has a "zero tolerance" policy for drivers under 21. Any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in DUI charges.

Local Resources

• Freestone Court Information: (Information will be added when available. Check back for updates.)
• Bail Bondsmen in the Area: (General information only. Search online directories for local bail bondsmen.)
• DUI Attorneys: (General information only. Seek out qualified and experienced DUI attorneys in the region. Consider factors like experience with Freestone County courts, specialization in DUI defense, and client reviews. Use online directories like the State Bar of Texas website.)

What Makes Freestone Different

While DUI laws are consistent throughout Texas, there can be some county-specific procedures and considerations in Freestone.

• (Information will be added when available. Check back for updates.)
• Typical Bail Amounts in this county: (Information will be added when available. Check back for updates.)

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the specific facts of your case.