Wichita County DWI Guide

DUI Arrest in Wichita County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Wichita County can be a disorienting experience. In 2023, the Wichita Falls Police Department reported 103 DUI arrests. This guide provides a clear overview of the steps you need to take immediately following your arrest, critical deadlines to keep in mind, and local resources available to help you navigate the legal process. This guide outlines the critical procedures and resources available to you in Wichita County.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Wichita County, the arresting officer, likely from the Wichita Falls Police Department (WFPD), the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), or the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), will transport you to the Wichita County Law Enforcement Center. The WCSO manages the central detention facility, acting as the intake point for all arrestees, regardless of the arresting agency.

Here's a typical timeline:

• Arrest and Booking: Upon arrival at the Wichita County Law Enforcement Center, you will be processed through the booking procedure. This involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.

• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make a phone call, typically after the initial booking process is complete. It is advisable to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a family member who can assist with posting bail.

• Bail Setting: A magistrate will set your bail amount. Bail amounts can vary, but a bail bond premium typically costs 10-15% of the total bail amount.

• Release: Once bail is posted, you will be released from custody.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences for your driving privileges and your legal case. Be aware of the following:

• Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an ALR hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in the automatic suspension of your driver's license.

• Court Appearance Dates: Your release paperwork will include a date for your initial court appearance. It is essential to appear in court on this date, or an arrest warrant may be issued.

• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing or if you lose your ALR hearing, your license suspension will begin 40 days after your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Wichita County

DUI enforcement in Wichita County is a coordinated effort involving the WFPD, WCSO, and TxDPS. The WFPD focuses on the city limits, particularly on major thoroughfares like Kemp Boulevard, Southwest Parkway, and the Central Freeway. The WCSO patrols unincorporated areas and Farm-to-Market (FM) roads. TxDPS troopers focus on US Highways 287, 82, and 277.

Wichita County operates under a "No Refusal" doctrine, supported by a 24-hour warrant capability. This means that if you refuse a breath test, officers can obtain a warrant to draw your blood to determine your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). DPS arrests in Wichita County rarely result in a "Release with no charges," indicating the high standard of probable cause used by Troopers.

Local Resources

• County Court at Law #1: Wichita County Courthouse, 900 7th Street
• County Court at Law #2: Wichita County Courthouse, 900 7th Street, Room 353
• Wichita County Sheriff’s Office: 2815 Central Freeway East
• Mike's Towing: 3205 Industrial Drive, Wichita Falls, Texas 76306
• Vernon College: Offers state-approved DWI Education (12-hour) and DWI Intervention (32-45 hour) courses at the Century City Center (4105 Maplewood) or Skills Training Center (2813 Central Expressway East).

What Makes Wichita County Different

Several factors make DUI enforcement in Wichita County unique:

• No Refusal Policy: The county's commitment to the "No Refusal" doctrine, backed by readily available blood warrants, strengthens the prosecution's case in most DUI arrests.
• Privatized Impound System: The exclusive contract with Mike's Towing streamlines vehicle impoundment but concentrates costs on the defendant, who must pay towing, storage, and administrative fees to retrieve their vehicle.
• WFPD Community Service Officers (CSOs): WFPD Policy 303 dictates that CSOs cannot initiate DUI stops, but they can observe suspected DUI drivers and notify commissioned officers, ensuring that the traffic stop is conducted by an officer with the authority to administer SFSTs.
• High Cost of DWI: The total cost of a first-offense DWI in Wichita County can range from $10,000 to $15,000, including bail bond premiums, towing and impound fees, attorney fees, court fines, DPS reinstatement fees, DWI education costs, and interlock device expenses.

If your vehicle was impounded by the Wichita Falls Police Department, contact Mike's Towing at 3205 Industrial Drive, Wichita Falls, Texas 76306 to arrange for its release.