Grimes County Bail Information

Getting Bailed Out After a Grimes County DUI: What You Need to Know

If you've been arrested for DUI in Grimes County, Texas, your immediate priority is likely getting out of jail. The Grimes County Jail is located at 115 West Buffington Avenue, Anderson, TX 77830, and understanding the bail process is critical to securing your release. This guide provides essential information to navigate the system efficiently.

Understanding the Grimes County DUI Landscape

Grimes County’s unique geography plays a role in DUI arrests. Positioned between the Houston metro and College Station, major highways like State Highway 6 and State Highway 105 see heavy traffic. The Grimes County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), the Navasota Police Department (NPD), and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) all actively enforce DUI laws. Remember, the arresting agency affects the evidence and prosecutorial approach. The Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission (October-November) also creates a seasonal spike in DUI arrests, especially along FM 1774. Regardless of where you were arrested, you’ll likely be processed at the Grimes County Jail in Anderson.

Posting Bail: Options and Considerations

Once you’re booked into the Grimes County Jail, a bond will be set. This amount ensures your appearance in court. Given that the median household income in Grimes County is lower than the state average, affording bail can be a challenge. Several bail bond companies serve the area. Consider these options:

• Gage Gandy Bail Bonds: (936) 206-7064. They're based in the Brazos Valley (College Station) but operate in Grimes County. This can be advantageous if you are a student or resident of College Station.
• Sonny Ellen Bail Bonds: 7479 CR 401, Anderson, TX; (936) 825-2118. They have extensive experience with local court procedures, a definite advantage.
• Wells, Wells, Wells Bail Bonding: 1102 Foster Street, Navasota, TX; (936) 825-0445. Convenient for those in Navasota, but paperwork still goes to Anderson.

Expect to pay a premium of 10% to 15% of the total bond amount to a bondsman. For example, a $500 DWI bond might require a $150 or $200 minimum fee. Because of the high traffic and transient population, a local co-signer (job or property in Grimes/Brazos/Harris counties) may be necessary. Collateral like vehicle titles might be required for felony or out-of-county defendants.

Retrieving Your Vehicle: A Tricky Process

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is usually impounded. The GCSO and NPD use a rotation list for towing, meaning you don’t get to choose the company. This can lead to your car being towed to Navasota, Anderson, or a rural impound lot. Potential companies include:

• Frank's Towing and Repair: 303 Teague St, Navasota, TX 77868; (936) 825-7692. They offer 24/7 towing, but impound release is often "By Appointment."
• Texans Crown Towing: Serves Navasota and Grimes County with rapid response capabilities.
• ResQ Rangers: 3898 County Road 324, Navasota, TX 77868; (833) 737-7869.

Navasota has fee caps for non-consent tows within city limits: a maximum of $250 for a standard tow. Statewide, daily storage fees are capped at $22.85 per day for vehicles under 25 feet, starting 24 hours after impoundment. An impoundment fee of $21.03 and a notification fee of $50.00 also apply if the vehicle isn't claimed quickly.

Importantly, the Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) cannot release your vehicle to you without a valid driver’s license. Since your license was likely confiscated, you’ll need someone with a valid license to drive the car off the lot. Alternatively, the registered owner (with proof of ownership like Title/Registration) can be present with a licensed driver, or sign an "Affidavit of Right of Possession" allowing a named third party to retrieve the car (this often requires notarization).

What to Do Next

Contact a bondsman immediately after your arrest to initiate the bail process. Gage Gandy Bail Bonds at (936) 206-7064 is a solid option due to their regional presence.