Tyler DWI Records
Tyler DUI and DWI records are handled through Smith County, which processes all criminal case filings for the city. The Tyler Police Department handles arrests within city limits, and the Smith County courts take over once charges are filed. This guide explains where to find Tyler DWI records and how to access them through city and county offices.
Tyler DWI Overview
Where to Find Tyler DWI Records
All DWI cases from Tyler go through Smith County. Felony DWI cases go to the Smith County District Clerk at (903) 590-4660, located at 100 N. Broadway Avenue in Tyler. That office covers 7 district courts and maintains records for third-offense DWI, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter. Misdemeanor DWI cases go to the Smith County Clerk at (903) 590-4600 at the same address. Both offices are on the main floor of the Smith County Courthouse.
The Smith County online case search at smith-county.com allows free public access to case records. You can search by defendant name, case number, or attorney. Results show charges, court assignments, bond information, and case status. Documents cost $1.00 per page to purchase online. Certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee per document.
| Smith County District Clerk | 100 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler, TX 75702 | (903) 590-4660 |
|---|---|
| Smith County Clerk | 100 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler, TX 75702 | (903) 590-4600 |
| Tyler Police Department - Records | 711 W. Ferguson St., Tyler, TX 75702 | (903) 531-1000 |
| Tyler Municipal Court | 813 W. Ferguson St., Tyler, TX 75702 | (903) 531-1370 |
The Tyler Police Department at cityoftyler.org/police handles DWI arrests within city limits. Their records division processes open records requests for incident, arrest, and accident reports. Reports cost $5.00 per copy. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days. Body camera and vehicle video from DWI arrests are also available through TPD. Standard video retention is 90 days, longer for felony cases.
The Smith County Clerk maintains 3 County Courts at Law that handle misdemeanor DWI cases. An online case search is available through the Smith County portal. The Smith County Sheriff's Office handles DWI arrests in unincorporated areas outside Tyler city limits, and their records are separate from Tyler PD records.
How to Search Tyler DUI Records Online
The Smith County online case search is the main tool for finding DWI court records from Tyler. It covers both felony and misdemeanor cases. Search by defendant name or case number. The system shows charge details, court assignments, bond amounts, and disposition information. Documents can be purchased online at $1.00 per page. Attorneys file cases electronically through eFileTexas.gov, and those filings appear in the system within 24 hours.
Misdemeanor DWI records from the County Courts at Law are part of the same integrated system. First and second offense cases, deferred adjudication records, and community supervision records are all searchable. If you need a certified copy for legal purposes, you can request it online or in person at the clerk's office. Certification adds $5.00 per document beyond the per-page fee.
For Class C alcohol violations, the Tyler Municipal Court at 813 W. Ferguson Street handles those cases. Online ticket payment and case lookup are available at cityoftyler.org/municipal-court. Deferred disposition is available for qualifying offenses. Municipal court records are not part of the Smith County court search system.
Note: Smith County records go back many years. If you are searching for an older DWI case, the online portal may not include records from before a certain cutoff date. For older records, contact the clerk's office directly to confirm what is available digitally versus on paper.
DWI Laws and Penalties in Tyler
Tyler DWI cases are prosecuted under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49. A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor with at least 72 hours in jail and up to 180 days, plus a fine up to $2,000. A BAC of 0.15 or above raises the charge to a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. The legal limit in Texas is 0.08 BAC.
A second DWI under Penal Code Sec. 49.09 is a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory 30-day minimum. A third offense is a third-degree felony with 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. The Smith County District Attorney's office prosecutes all DWI cases from Tyler. Their office handles all felony cases, including intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter.
Intoxication assault under Sec. 49.07 is a third-degree felony when the victim is a member of the general public. It steps up to a second-degree or first-degree felony when the victim is a peace officer or other protected person. Intoxication manslaughter under Sec. 49.08 is a second-degree felony starting at 2 to 20 years in prison.
State surcharges of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 are assessed at sentencing per TxDOT guidelines. These are paid to the state and are separate from the court-ordered fine.
License Suspension After a Tyler DWI Arrest
Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 524, when someone is arrested for DWI in Tyler, the arresting officer takes the physical license and issues a temporary permit valid for 40 days. The driver has just 15 days to request a hearing with Texas DPS. If no hearing is requested, the suspension kicks in automatically on day 40.
A first failed breath or blood test means a 90-day suspension. A first refusal brings 180 days. After the suspension ends, a $125 reinstatement fee is required from Texas DPS. Pay and check status at the DPS website. The ALR process is a civil matter heard by the State Office of Administrative Hearings. It runs on its own timeline and uses a lower standard of proof than the criminal case in Smith County court.
Driver Records and Criminal History in Tyler
Texas DPS driving records show DWI convictions, license suspensions, and crash history. Order your own at dps.texas.gov. A three-year history costs $4 online. A certified complete history costs $10. To get another person's record, Form DR-1 is required along with compliance with the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act.
The DPS Crime Records Division at dps.texas.gov/section/crime-records holds statewide criminal history records. DWI convictions appear in this database. Submit public information requests to publicrecords@dps.texas.gov or by mail to Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0140. DPS does not accept phone requests.
DWI crash reports are at TxDOT, not the Tyler Police Department. Buy one through the TxDOT CRIS system for $6 (regular) or $8 (certified). Access is limited to people directly involved in the crash and their authorized representatives. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission handles alcohol industry compliance and may have records relevant to dram shop liability cases connected to Tyler DWI incidents.
The Texas Department of Public Safety manages driver records and the Administrative License Revocation program for Tyler residents arrested for DWI in Smith County.
Texas DPS is the central state agency for DWI conviction data, license suspension records, and reinstatement procedures for drivers in Tyler and throughout Smith County.
Smith County DUI Records
Tyler is in Smith County, and all DWI case filings go through the Smith County court system. For more on courts, online search tools, fees, and county resources, visit the Smith County DUI records page.
Nearby Cities
Looking for DWI records in other East Texas cities near Tyler? These cities have their own local agencies and courts.