Carrollton DWI Records Search

Carrollton DUI and DWI records are filed through both Denton County and Dallas County courts, depending on which part of the city the incident occurred in. Carrollton spans both counties. Arrest records for incidents within city limits are maintained by the Carrollton Police Department. If you are searching for a DWI case from Carrollton, you may need to check both the Denton County courts and the Dallas County courts to find the right filing. This page covers how to search each system and what to expect from Texas DWI law.

Where Carrollton DWI Records Are Filed

Carrollton is split between Denton County and Dallas County. The part of the city in Denton County files DWI cases through the Denton County Clerk at 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76209, (940) 349-2012 for misdemeanors, and the Denton County District Clerk at (940) 349-2200 for felony cases. The portion of Carrollton in Dallas County files through the Dallas County courts at 600 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202. If you are not sure which county a case falls in, you may need to check both.

The easiest approach is to search both county portals online. Denton County's portal is at dentoncounty.gov/districtclerk. Dallas County cases can be searched at dallascounty.org. Both systems are free and allow name-based searches. Document copies are $1.00 per page at both locations. Certified copies add a $5.00 certification fee per document. Both offices are open Monday through Friday.

The Carrollton Police Department handles DWI arrests for the entire city regardless of which county the incident occurred in. Their records division is the starting point for arrest reports.

How to Search Carrollton DUI Records

Start with the online portals for both Denton County and Dallas County. Enter the defendant's last name in each system to see if a match comes up. If the incident address was in Denton County, you will likely find the case in Denton. If it was in the Dallas County portion of Carrollton, it will be in the Dallas County system. Both portals show charge descriptions, cause numbers, case status, and filing dates. You do not need an account for either search.

For arrest records from Carrollton Police Department, you can submit a public information request to their department. You can do this in person at the department or by mail. Online request options may also be available. Standard police reports cost $5.00 and take about 10 business days. Arrest reports include the officer's probable cause statement, field sobriety test notes, breath or blood test data, and arrest details. Video evidence from body cameras or patrol vehicles is available at a higher fee with longer processing time.

For certified court records, go in person to the relevant clerk's office in Denton or Dallas, or send a mail request. Include the cause number or defendant name, the documents you need, your contact information, and payment. Copies cost $1.00 per page, plus $5.00 for certification per document.

DWI Laws That Apply in Carrollton

Texas law defines DWI in Penal Code Section 49.04. Operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated is the core offense. Intoxicated means either a BAC of 0.08 or more, or not having normal mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs. Both standards apply, and an officer can arrest based on observed impairment without a BAC test result above 0.08.

A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor with 72 hours to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000. Open container raises the minimum to six days. A BAC of 0.15 or more makes it a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Texas state surcharges at sentencing run from $3,000 on a first DWI to $6,000 on a third, on top of court-ordered fines. A second offense carries a 30-day mandatory minimum as a Class A misdemeanor.

Under Section 49.09, a third DWI is a third-degree felony with two to ten years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. DWI with a child under 15 is a state jail felony under Section 49.045. Minor drivers face DUI charges under Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 106.041 for any detectable alcohol. That is a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense with a fine up to $500 and 8 to 12 hours of community service.

ALR and License Suspension in Carrollton

Every DWI arrest in Carrollton triggers both a criminal case in the relevant county court and an Administrative License Revocation action with the Texas DPS. The ALR is a civil process separate from the criminal case. A not-guilty verdict or dismissal in Denton or Dallas County court does not prevent DPS from imposing the ALR suspension.

At arrest, the officer takes the physical license and gives the driver a Notice of Suspension. This notice serves as a 40-day temporary driving permit. The driver must request an ALR hearing within 15 days or the suspension takes effect automatically on day 40. The hearing is conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Under Transportation Code Chapter 524, failing a test brings a 90-day suspension for a first offense. Refusing the test means 180 days. Prior suspensions or refusals within 10 years result in two-year periods.

After the suspension ends, DPS requires a $125 reinstatement fee before the license is restored. Check your license status or order your full driving record at dps.texas.gov. Online records cost between $4 and $22 depending on the type.

Carrollton Police Department Records

The Carrollton Police Department handles law enforcement throughout the city and maintains arrest records for DWI incidents. You can submit a public information request to their records division in person, by mail, or through their online portal. Reports cost $5.00 for standard documents. Video footage from body cameras or patrol cars is available but requires a separate request and carries higher fees. Processing times are typically 10 business days for standard records.

Texas law under Code of Criminal Procedure Article 14.01 allows officers to arrest without a warrant when a DWI offense is committed in their view. After arrest, the driver must be brought before a magistrate within 48 hours. Bond conditions in Denton County and Dallas County courts for DWI cases often include no alcohol consumption and may require an ignition interlock device for repeat offenders.

The Texas DPS Crime Records Division holds statewide DWI conviction records. Crash reports from DWI accidents are kept at TxDOT. General court process information is at txcourts.gov.

The Texas Department of Public Safety administers the Administrative License Revocation program for all drivers arrested for DWI in Carrollton and throughout Denton and Dallas counties.

After a DWI arrest in Carrollton, the 15-day window to request an ALR hearing with DPS starts immediately. Missing it means an automatic license suspension on day 40.

Denton County DWI Records

Most of Carrollton falls within Denton County. DWI filings from the Denton County portion of the city go through Denton County courts. For information on the Denton County court system, online search tools, and clerk contact details, visit the Denton County page.

View Denton County DWI Records

Nearby Cities

Other North Texas cities with DWI records in the Dallas-Denton area:

• Lewisville DWI Records
• Denton DWI Records
• Richardson DWI Records