Tarrant County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Tarrant County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Tarrant County can be a disorienting experience. With Texas ranking second in the nation for DUI arrests, and a high volume of alcohol-related offenses managed by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), knowing the specific procedures and deadlines is crucial. This guide provides immediate, practical information to navigate the Tarrant County DUI process, from initial arrest to understanding your options.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Tarrant County

A DUI arrest sets in motion a complex legal and administrative process. In Tarrant County, this process is managed by a large and busy criminal justice system. With Texas seeing approximately 90,000 DUI arrests annually, and a per capita rate of 310 per 100,000 residents, the TCSO has developed specific protocols for handling these cases. This guide will walk you through those protocols, focusing on the immediate steps you need to take, critical deadlines you must meet, and resources available to help you through this challenging time.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Tarrant County are critical. Here’s a general timeline:

• Arrest & Booking: You'll likely be arrested by the Fort Worth Police Department, or the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office. You will be transported to the Tarrant County Corrections Center (TCCC) at 100 N. Lamar St., Fort Worth, Texas 76196. This is the primary intake hub for the county.
• Processing: At the TCCC, you'll be photographed, fingerprinted, and your personal belongings will be inventoried.
• Phone Calls: You have the right to make a reasonable number of phone calls. Use these to contact family, a bail bondsman, or an attorney.
• Magistration: You will see a magistrate judge who will inform you of the charges against you and set your bail amount.
• Bail: Bail allows you to be released from jail while awaiting trial. The amount is set by the magistrate. The central Bond Desk, located at the TCCC, is the only location authorized to accept bail postings 24 hours a day. You can verify bond amounts and fine status by calling 817-884-3000.
• Release: Once bail is posted, you'll be released from custody. Be sure to get all your paperwork and understand your court dates.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences in a DUI case. Be aware of these key dates:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to contest your driver's license suspension. Failure to request this hearing results in an automatic suspension of your license, typically taking effect on the 40th day post-arrest. Requesting the hearing not only delays suspension but allows your attorney to cross-examine the arresting officer.
• Court Appearance Dates: You must appear in court on the dates specified in your release paperwork. Track your court dates using the Tarrant County Odyssey case management system: https://odyssey.tarrantcounty.com/publicaccess/. Select "Criminal Case Records" and search by Party Name or Case Number (e.g., JP05-17-SC0000xxxx). The Criminal Court Support office (817-212-6957) can assist if online records are unclear.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended, typically starting 40 days after your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Tarrant County

While specific checkpoint locations aren't publicly available, it's important to understand that Tarrant County, given its high DUI arrest rate, actively enforces DUI laws. Be aware of holidays and weekends, which often see increased enforcement.

Local Resources

• Tarrant County Corrections Center (TCCC): 100 N. Lamar St., Fort Worth, Texas 76196.
• Inmate Information Line: 817-884-3116.
• Bond & Fine Information: 817-884-3000.
• Lon Evans Corrections Center: 600 W. Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76196.
• Tarrant County Odyssey Case Management System: https://odyssey.tarrantcounty.com/publicaccess/
• Criminal Court Support office: 817-212-6957
• Inmate Search Portal: https://inmatesearch.tarrantcounty.com

What Makes Tarrant County Different

Tarrant County has some unique aspects to its DUI process:

• High DUI Volume: The sheer volume of DUI arrests in Tarrant County means the system is often operating at capacity. Be prepared for potential delays in processing.
• Weekender Program: If sentenced to jail time, you may be eligible for the "Weekender" program, allowing you to serve time on weekends while maintaining employment. If you are a male "Weekender" returning on a Friday night, you are required to call 817-248-6292 prior to arrival to confirm your specific reporting location (Green Bay or Cold Springs). First-time male weekenders and all female weekenders report to the TCCC Main Lobby at 100 N. Lamar.
• Property Release Restrictions: Retrieving personal property from jail can be challenging. Inmates generally are not authorized to release property while in county custody. A release can only be authorized if "undue hardship" is proven and approved by a Captain or higher (or the Booking Watch Commander if a Captain is unavailable). This suggests that such releases are non-routine and scrutinized.
• 15-Day ALR Deadline: Missing the 15-day deadline to request an ALR hearing is a common mistake that results in automatic license suspension.

Navigating a DUI arrest in Tarrant County requires understanding the specific procedures and deadlines. Be sure to check the Tarrant County Inmate Search Portal (https://inmatesearch.tarrantcounty.com) to find information about the arrest.