Stephens County DWI Guide

DUI Arrest in Stephens County, TX: Complete Guide

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office actively patrols and enforces DUI laws to maintain road safety. This guide provides a clear path forward, outlining the steps you need to take immediately and in the weeks following your arrest to protect your rights and navigate the legal process. We'll cover everything from posting bail to understanding court proceedings and regaining your driving privileges.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Stephens County

After being pulled over by law enforcement, potentially the Stephens County Sheriff's Office, for suspicion of driving under the influence and failing field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer test (with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, as per Texas law), you will be arrested. The arresting officer will transport you to the Stephens County Jail for processing.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Here's a typical timeline of what to expect in the first 24 hours after a DUI arrest:

• Arrest and Transport: You will be handcuffed and transported to the Stephens County Jail, located potentially at the Stephens County Law Enforcement Center at 210 E Dyer St, Breckenridge, TX 76424.
• Booking Process: At the jail, you will undergo the booking process, which includes:
• Providing your personal information (name, address, date of birth).
• Fingerprinting.
• Photographing (mugshot).
• Inventory of your personal belongings.
• Phone Calls: After booking, you will generally be allowed to make a limited number of phone calls. Use these calls to contact a family member, friend, or a DUI attorney.
• Bail Setting: A magistrate will set your bail amount. This amount can vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest, your criminal history, and other factors.
• Posting Bail: You have several options for posting bail, including:
• Paying the full bail amount in cash.
• Using a bail bondsman (paying a percentage of the bail amount).
• A property bond
• A personal recognizance (PR) bond.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences for your DUI case. Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing Request: 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. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in automatic suspension of your license. Contact the Stephens County Vehicle Registration office at 200 W Walker St, Breckenridge, TX 76424, or call (888) 368-4689 for assistance.
• Court Appearance Date: Your citation or a subsequent notice from the court will specify your court appearance date. Attending all scheduled court hearings is mandatory.
• License Suspension Start Date: If you do not request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the hearing, your license suspension will begin a specific number of days after your arrest, as determined by the Texas DMV.

DUI Enforcement in Stephens County

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for traffic enforcement, including DUI patrols.

Local Resources

• Stephens County Sheriff’s Office: 210 E Dyer St, Breckenridge, TX 76424. Phone: (254) 559-2481.
• Stephens County Vehicle Registration: 200 W Walker St, Breckenridge, TX 76424. Phone: (888) 368-4689.
• CD Wrecker Service: 100 E 1st St, Breckenridge, TX 76424. Phone: (254) 212-2191.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: Contact the Stephens County Clerk's office for a list of licensed bail bondsmen who serve the county. Be sure to inquire about fees and requirements before entering into any agreement.

What Makes Stephens County Different

Stephens County, like many rural areas, relies heavily on the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement. If your vehicle is impounded, it may be held at the Stephens County Law Enforcement Center or CD Wrecker Service.