Mills County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Mills, TX: Complete Guide

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Mills

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Mills County, Texas, can be a stressful and confusing experience. This guide is designed to provide you with clear, practical information about what to expect, the steps you need to take, and resources available to help you navigate the legal process. It’s important to act quickly and understand your rights. This guide will walk you through the immediate aftermath of your arrest, critical deadlines, and the four key areas you need to address.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Mills County, the first 24 hours are crucial. Here's a timeline of what to expect:

• Arrest and Initial Processing: After being pulled over and failing field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer/blood test indicating a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, you will be arrested.
• Transportation to Mills Jail: You will be transported to the Mills County jail for booking.
• Booking Process: The booking process involves taking your fingerprints, photograph (mugshot), and collecting personal information. Your possessions will be inventoried and stored securely.
• Phone Calls: You generally have the right to make a phone call shortly after booking. Use this call to contact a family member, friend, or attorney. Remember that anything you say on the phone in jail could be recorded.
• Setting of Bail: A bail amount will be set, allowing you to be released from jail pending your court date. The amount may depend on factors such as your prior criminal record and the circumstances of the arrest. See below for typical bail amounts in Mills County.

Important Note: Refusal to submit to a breath or blood test can result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license, even if you are ultimately found not guilty of DUI.

Critical Deadlines

Missing critical deadlines can have serious consequences for your driver's license and your DUI case. Here are the most important deadlines to be aware of:

• ALR Hearing Deadline (15 Days): You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. Requesting this hearing is crucial, even if you plan to plead guilty in your criminal case. Failure to request a hearing within 15 days will result in an automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance Dates: You will receive a notice to appear in court. Missing this court date can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended 40 days after your arrest. If you lose your ALR hearing, your license will also be suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending on whether this is your first DUI offense.

DUI Enforcement in Mills

DUI enforcement in Mills County is typically conducted by the Mills County Sheriff's Office and, potentially, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers. While Mills County has no population, law enforcement presence can still be active, especially around major holidays or events. Expect standard DUI enforcement practices, including traffic stops for suspected violations and field sobriety testing.

Local Resources

Navigating the legal system in Mills County requires understanding local resources.

• Mills Court Information: Because Mills County has no population, the court system may operate differently than in more populated areas. Contact the Mills County Clerk for information on court schedules, procedures, and contact information.
• Bail Bondsmen in the Area: While there may not be bail bondsmen directly located within Mills County, they are likely available in neighboring counties. A quick online search for "bail bondsmen near Mills County, TX" will provide you with a list of options.
• DUI Attorneys: It is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified DUI attorney. An attorney can review your case, advise you of your rights, and represent you in court. You can find a list of attorneys in Texas specializing in DUI defense through the State Bar of Texas website or by searching online. Remember to research attorneys thoroughly before making a decision.

What Makes Mills Different

Because Mills County has no population, DUI procedures can differ slightly from more populated areas.

• Unique Local Procedures: Due to the lack of population, court proceedings might be held less frequently, or cases might be transferred to a neighboring county. It's crucial to confirm court dates and procedures with the Mills County Clerk.
• County-Specific Programs: It is unlikely that Mills County has specific DUI diversion programs due to the lack of population. You may be required to attend programs in a neighboring county if ordered by the court.
• Typical Bail Amounts in this County: Typical bail amounts for a first-time DUI offense in Texas can range from $500 to $2,000, but this can vary. Contact the Mills County Jail or a local bail bondsman to confirm the current bail schedule.