Robertson County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Robertson, TX: Complete Guide

This guide is for anyone who has just been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Robertson County, Texas. Being arrested for DUI can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of what to expect, critical deadlines you need to be aware of, and resources to help you navigate the process. This guide is not a substitute for legal advice, but it will provide you with a solid understanding of the situation and empower you to take the necessary actions to protect your rights.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Robertson County, the next 24 hours are critical. Here’s a general timeline of what to expect:

• Arrest and Field Sobriety Tests: After being pulled over, the officer likely conducted field sobriety tests (FSTs). Refusal to participate in these tests can have consequences, but is generally allowed.
• Breath or Blood Test: You were likely asked to submit to a breath or blood test to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Refusal to submit to a breath or blood test can result in an automatic license suspension, even if you are not convicted of DUI.
• Transportation to Robertson County Jail: After the arrest, you will be transported to the Robertson County Jail.
• Booking Process: The booking process involves taking your fingerprints, photographing you (mugshot), and recording your personal information. Your belongings will be inventoried and stored.
• Phone Calls: You will generally be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. Use these calls wisely. Contact a family member, friend, or, ideally, a DUI attorney as soon as possible.
• Bail: Bail is a sum of money that you (or someone on your behalf) can pay to secure your release from jail while awaiting trial. The amount of bail is typically set by a judge or according to a predetermined bail schedule. We'll discuss bail further below.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines in a DUI case can have serious consequences. Pay close attention to these:

• ALR Hearing Deadline (15 Days): This is arguably the most critical deadline. In Texas, you have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. Requesting this hearing can be complex, and it's highly recommended to consult with an attorney immediately. The request must be submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
• Court Appearance Dates: You will receive a notice of your court appearance date, typically called an arraignment. Missing this date will result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you fail to request an ALR hearing or lose the hearing, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending on the circumstances of your case, particularly if you refused a breath or blood test.

DUI Enforcement in Robertson

DUI enforcement in Robertson County is generally consistent with Texas state law. Expect heightened patrols during holidays and weekends. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and Robertson County Sheriff's Deputies are the primary law enforcement agencies responsible for DUI enforcement in the county.

Local Resources

Navigating the legal system after a DUI arrest can be challenging. Here are some local resources that may be helpful:

• Robertson County Court Information: (Information about court locations, contact details, and procedures will be added here as it becomes available). Check the Robertson County website.
• Bail Bondsmen in the Area: (List of bail bondsmen operating in Robertson County will be added here as it becomes available). Please note that dui.guide does not endorse or recommend any specific bail bondsman.
• DUI Attorneys: A DUI attorney can provide legal advice and representation throughout the DUI process. Search online directories for "DUI Attorney Robertson County TX" to find qualified attorneys in the area. Please note that dui.guide does not endorse or recommend any specific attorney.

What Makes Robertson Different

Robertson County, being a Tier 3 county, might have slightly different procedures compared to larger metropolitan areas. Due to the smaller population, court schedules might be less frequent, potentially impacting the timeline of your case.

• County-Specific Programs: (Information about specific programs offered in Robertson County, such as diversion programs or community service options, will be added here as it becomes available). Contact the Robertson County Court for more information.
• Typical Bail Amounts: (Information about typical bail amounts for DUI offenses in Robertson County will be added here as it becomes available). This information can vary and is dependent on the specifics of the case. Consulting with a local attorney is the best way to determine the expected bail amount.

This guide provides a general overview of the DUI process in Robertson County, Texas. It is essential to consult with a qualified DUI attorney to discuss the specific details of your case and to protect your rights. Remember that time is of the essence, especially regarding the ALR hearing deadline. Act quickly to secure legal representation and begin navigating this challenging situation.