Williamson County DWI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DWI case in Williamson County.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
Williamson County Criminal Justice Center
About the Williamson County Court System
The Williamson County judicial system is bifurcated: County Criminal Courts at Law (16 courts) handle misdemeanor DWI cases (first/second offenses), while Criminal District Courts (20+ courts) handle felony charges (third offense, child passenger, injury, or death). The CJC houses both - misdemeanor courts on mid-rise floors, felony courts on high-rise floors.
Critical: Do NOT Do These Things
Warrant issued immediately
Anything you say can be used against you
Can be used as evidence
Additional criminal charges
Bail revoked, returned to jail
Others can be subpoenaed to testify
Security Screening & Prohibited Items
What to Expect
- Metal detector screening (remove belt, watch)
- Bag/purse X-ray scanning
- Allow 15-20 minutes for security
- Typical wait: 1-3 hours once inside
Do NOT Bring
- Weapons (including pocket knives)
- Pepper spray or mace
- Large bags or backpacks
- Food or drinks (water OK)
Court Day Checklist
Required Documents
Day-Of Reminders
Tip: Screenshot or print this checklist. Check items off as you prepare the night before.
How DWI Cases Move Through Court
1. Arraignment
First appearance, typically within 24-48 hours after arrest.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges
- Enter plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date scheduled
What to Know:
- Most plead Not Guilty initially
- Attorney will advise on plea
- Write down next court date
- Request public defender if needed
2. Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months. Your attorney handles most of this.
What Your Attorney Does:
3. Plea Bargain or Trial
Over 90% of cases resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain (Common)
- Reduced charges possible
- Lower penalties
- Faster resolution
- Known outcome
Trial (Rare ~5%)
- Jury decides guilt
- Higher risk/reward
- Takes 6-12+ months
- More expensive
4. Sentencing
Judge imposes penalties. First offense usually means probation.
Common Outcomes (1st Offense):
Related Williamson County Guides
In Williamson County, the immediate logistical crisis following a DWI arrest is the seizure and impoundment of the defendant's vehicle under the "Non-Consent Towing" framework.
Vehicle Impoundment in Williamson County
If your vehicle is towed after a DWI arrest, it's likely classified as an Incident Management (IM) Tow. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) operates a Non-Consent Towing Rotation List, dividing the county into Geographic Response Zones. The officer will call the next available company on the rotation list for that zone, meaning you cannot choose your tow service.
To locate your vehicle, Williamson County uses the AutoReturn system. Search using your license plate or VIN on the AutoReturn website or the county’s "Find Vehicle" portal. Note that vehicles seized as evidence (e.g., in vehicular manslaughter cases) are taken to the Sheriff’s Impound Yard managed by Officer Erik Krause and require a release order.
Drop Fee: If you arrive before the tow truck leaves the parking lot or driveway (i.e., before it enters a public roadway), you have the right to pay a "Drop Fee" (approximately $136.00) to have your vehicle released. The towing company must accept cash, credit, or debit cards.
Custodial Detention and Bail
The Williamson County Jail, located at 306 W 4th Street, Georgetown, TX 78626, processes all DWI arrests in the county. The booking phone number is 512-943-1365.
A major logistical challenge in Williamson County is the magistration schedule. Unlike Travis County, Williamson County typically operates on a set daily schedule (often the "morning docket," usually starting around 8:00 AM) for magistrates to set bonds. If you're booked late on a Friday, you might not see a judge until Saturday morning.
For first-time DWI misdemeanors, expect a bond between $1,500 and $3,000.
Bail Bonds: Freedom Bail Bonds is located at 307 S. Rock Street, Georgetown, TX, across from the jail release door.
After posting bond, release typically takes 2 to 6 hours. Be aware of shift changes (typically 6:00 AM / 6:00 PM), which can cause delays.
Court Hierarchy and Judges
Misdemeanor DWI cases are assigned to one of five County Courts at Law (CCL) in the Justice Center at 405 Martin Luther King St, Georgetown.
- CCL #1 (Judge Brandy Hallford): A former prosecutor known for strictly enforcing procedural rules and adhering to sentencing guidelines.
- CCL #2 (Judge Laura Barker): Presides over the DWI/Drug Court program.
- CCL #5 (Judge Will Ward): Runs an efficient docket and emphasizes rapid case disposition.
Cite and Release Program
If released under the Cite and Release program, you'll receive a "NOTICE TO APPEAR".
You can send Legal Mail to inmates at: P.O. Box 2119, Georgetown, TX 78627
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