Wood County Court Process

Navigating a DUI Arrest in Wood County, Texas: A Detailed Guide

If you've been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Wood County, Texas, the legal road ahead involves a complex web of local procedures. This guide breaks down the key steps, from vehicle impoundment to court appearances, providing actionable information to help you navigate the system.

Phase 0: Understanding Wood County DWI Enforcement

Wood County, located in East Texas, takes DWI enforcement seriously. With a population of around 48,742 residents spread across a largely rural landscape, the loss of driving privileges can be devastating. Key factors shaping the DWI landscape in Wood County include:

• Rurality: Public transportation is almost nonexistent.
• "No Refusal" Weekends: During holidays like New Year's Eve, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, law enforcement obtains blood search warrants quickly for drivers who refuse breath or blood tests. On-call magistrates are available 24/7 to sign these warrants.
• Partially Wet Status: The patchwork of alcohol laws, especially in Justice Precinct One (Quitman), can create confusion for visitors and residents alike, leading to increased enforcement.
• Aggressive Prosecution: Criminal District Attorney Angela Albers is known for her firm approach to DWI cases.

Phase 1: Recovering Your Vehicle from Impound

The immediate aftermath of a DWI arrest often involves dealing with vehicle impoundment. In Wood County, Wyatt's Towing Service is the primary provider for Quitman and Mineola.

1Cost Structure: Towing and storage fees are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Expect to pay:

• Light Duty Tow (Under 10,000 lbs): Up to $272.00.
• Daily Storage Fee (Vehicle <25 ft): Up to $22.85 per day.
• Impoundment Fee: Up to $22.85 (one-time charge).
• Notification Fee: Up to $50.00 (if the vehicle isn't claimed within 24-48 hours).

2Avoiding Extra Charges: Texas law states that a storage facility can only charge for one day if the vehicle is on the lot for less than 12 hours. If your vehicle was towed at 11:30 PM Friday and you pick it up at 9:00 AM Saturday, the facility could charge for two days. Try to retrieve your vehicle as early as possible on the first business day after the arrest to minimize costs.

3Release Requirements: To get your vehicle back, you MUST provide:

• Government-Issued Photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID).
• Proof of Ownership (Current registration, title, or notarized bill of sale).
• Proof of Valid Insurance.

If you're not the registered owner, you'll need a Notarized Power of Attorney or TDLR Form VSF011 (Authorization to Remove a Vehicle).

4Tow Hearings: If you believe your vehicle was towed without probable cause, you have 14 days to request a "Tow Hearing" with any Justice of the Peace in Wood County. This requires paying a civil filing fee (approximately $46 - $54).

5Gold Dust Tip: Call Wyatt's Towing ahead of time to confirm someone is available, especially during lunchtime (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM). While they accept credit cards, "systems being down" can occur. Having about $320 in cash for the tow and first two days of storage is a safe bet.

Phase 2: Bail and Jail Release from the Wood County Justice Center

After arrest, you'll be taken to the Wood County Justice Center for booking.

1Arraignment and Bail: Within 24-48 hours, you'll be arraigned by a Justice of the Peace who will inform you of the charges and set bail. Bail amounts for DWI in Wood County align with East Texas regional standards.

2Local Bail Bondsmen: Several bonding agencies operate near the Justice Center.

3Avoiding Delays: Jail release processing halts during shift changes (around 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM) and inmate counts. Have bond paperwork finalized by 4:00 PM to avoid delays.

What to Do Next:

Gather all paperwork related to your arrest, including the citation, impound information from Wyatt's Towing, and any documentation from the Wood County Justice Center. Keep track of all deadlines, including the 14-day window to request a tow hearing.