Hidalgo County DWI Bail Guide

The Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center, located at 701 E. El Cibolo Road, Edinburg, TX 78541, serves as the central processing hub for the county.

Bail Bond Options in Hidalgo County

Hidalgo County defendants have several options for securing release from jail while awaiting trial on a DWI charge. These include:

• Surety Bonds: This involves using a bail bond company. The bondsman posts the full bail amount in exchange for a premium, typically 10% of the bail, which is non-refundable. The Hidalgo County Bail Bond Board regulates these companies. Check the "Approved Bail Bond Companies" list to ensure the agent is in good standing.
• Cash Bonds: The full bail amount can be deposited in cash with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. Be aware that the Sheriff’s Office bonding desk often requires exact change or cashier's checks/money orders made payable to the "Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office." Personal checks are not accepted.
• Attorney Bonds (Writ of Habeas Corpus): In Hidalgo County, an attorney licensed in Texas can execute a bail bond for their client. This is often the fastest route to release, especially on weekends. The attorney files a Writ of Habeas Corpus, which can compel the immediate setting of a bond and bypass potential delays with magistrate availability. The fee paid to the attorney usually covers both the bond and initial legal representation.

Jail Release Timeline

Booking and processing at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center typically takes 4 to 8 hours. This timeline can be affected by:

• Shift Changes: Inmate movement and processing generally halt during shift changes for headcounts. These windows typically occur around 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, and 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Posting bond immediately before these times will likely result in delays.
• Magistration Delays: If an arrest happens late Friday, and the defendant misses the Saturday morning magistrate docket (often conducted via video), they may remain incarcerated until Sunday morning. An "Attorney Writ" is the most reliable way to avoid this weekend delay.

Vehicle Impound After DWI Arrest

In Hidalgo County, after a DWI arrest, your vehicle will likely be impounded and taken to a Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF). Unlike some jurisdictions, Hidalgo County relies on a "voluntary wrecker rotation list" system. This means there is no central municipal impound yard.

If arrested by the McAllen Police Department (MPD), your vehicle is taken to a private VSF chosen from their rotation list, governed by City Ordinance § 114-150. Contact the McAllen Police Department Records Bureau or the arresting officer to find out which specific towing company has your vehicle.

If arrested by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), your vehicle will also be taken to a VSF. For accidents or "investigative holds," it may first go to a forensic storage area. The Sheriff's physical address is 711 El Cibolo Road, Edinburg, but the vehicle will likely be at a third-party lot unless it is evidence.

The cost of retrieving your vehicle depends on where you were arrested. McAllen has higher fees than the rest of Hidalgo County. McAllen’s towing fee schedule includes a base tow of $300, mileage fees, an impound fee of $20, and daily storage fees. Storage can be $50 per day. A "Non-Op Access Fee" of $150 may apply if retrieving the vehicle on a weekend.

Outside of McAllen, VSFs are governed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) caps. The statewide cap for private property tows is $272, but non-consent tows can exceed this based on county contracts. The state maximum for daily storage is $22.85.

To release your vehicle, you will need a valid government ID, proof of ownership (title or registration), and proof of current insurance. A Notarized Letter of Authorization is needed if someone other than the registered owner is retrieving the vehicle and the owner is incarcerated.

Alcohol Monitoring

Recovery Healthcare Corporation (also known as Recovery Monitoring Solutions) is the primary provider for court-ordered alcohol monitoring in Hidalgo County. They are located at 2827 S. Closner Blvd, Edinburg, TX 78539. They are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

The Bond Desk at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center can be reached at (956) 381-7900.