Brown County DWI Records

Brown County DUI and DWI records are maintained by the District Clerk and County Clerk in Brownwood at 200 S. Broadway. Brown County processes DWI cases through the 35th Judicial District Court for felony matters and the County Court for misdemeanor DWI charges. You can access records in person at the courthouse or by mail request.

Brown County District Clerk

The Brown County District Clerk at 200 S. Broadway, Brownwood, TX 76801 maintains all felony DWI records for the county. Phone is (325) 643-3251. Felony DWI includes third and subsequent offenses, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter. The 35th District Court handles these cases. Records include the indictment, plea agreement, sentencing order, and all docket entries from the case.

There is limited online portal access for Brown County records. Most searches are done in person or by mail. When you visit, bring valid ID and have the defendant's name or case number ready. For mail requests, include as much identifying information as possible and a check or money order for payment. The Texas Judicial Branch provides general guidance on public access to court records statewide. E-filing is available for attorneys through eFileTexas.gov.

Brown County Clerk - Misdemeanor DWI Records

The Brown County Clerk at 200 S. Broadway maintains all misdemeanor DWI records. Phone is (325) 643-2594. First and second offense DWI cases are Class B and Class A misdemeanors under Texas Penal Code Sections 49.04 and 49.09. These cases are heard in the County Court at Law. All misdemeanor DWI records including charge, plea, and sentence are maintained here.

Both the District Clerk and County Clerk operate out of the same building in Brownwood. Standard fees are $1.00 per page for copies and $5.00 for a certified copy. Mail requests accepted with check or money order payment. In-person visits are open to the public during normal business hours.

Brownwood Police and Brown County Sheriff Records

DWI arrests within Brownwood are handled by the Brownwood Police Department. Their records division can be reached at (325) 646-2525. Reports cost $5.00 each and can be requested in person or online. Processing time is approximately 10 business days. DWI reports typically include the officer's narrative, field sobriety test results, BAC readings, and arrest details.

The Brown County Sheriff handles DWI arrests in unincorporated areas of the county. Written open records requests are the standard method for getting incident reports from the Sheriff. Records should be available within about 10 business days of a written request.

For statewide DWI criminal history records, the Texas DPS Crime Records Division compiles conviction data from all Texas courts including Brown County. Submit a public information request through the DPS Public Information Center by email or mail.

The Texas DPS state records portal supplements local Brown County clerk searches for DWI conviction and criminal history information.

DWI Laws and Penalties in Brown County

All DWI cases in Brown County are prosecuted under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49. A first offense DWI is a Class B misdemeanor with 72 hours to 180 days in county jail and a fine up to $2,000. The 72-hour minimum is mandatory. If the BAC was 0.15 or higher, the charge is a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000.

Second DWI carries a mandatory 30-day minimum jail term. Third DWI is a third-degree felony under Section 49.09 with 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. State assessments of $3,000 to $6,000 are added at sentencing per TxDOT's impaired driving page. These state fines are separate from the court-imposed fines and add significantly to the total financial impact of a conviction.

Brown County's Brownwood Municipal Court handles Class C DWI-related charges including public intoxication and minor in possession cases. The Brownwood Municipal Court can be reached at (325) 646-2510 and is at the main municipal complex.

For drivers under 21, the zero-tolerance rule applies under Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 106.041. Any detectable alcohol is enough for a DUI charge. First offense is a Class C misdemeanor. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission also enforces alcohol laws at licensed businesses throughout the county.

Note: Warrantless DWI arrests are authorized by Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 14 when the officer witnesses the offense directly during a traffic stop.

License Suspension After DWI Arrest in Brown County

A DWI arrest in Brown County starts the Administrative License Revocation clock immediately. The arresting officer confiscates the physical license and gives a temporary permit good for 40 days. You have exactly 15 days from the arrest to request an ALR hearing with the State Office of Administrative Hearings. If you don't request one within that window, the suspension takes effect automatically on day 41.

Under Transportation Code Chapter 524, refusing a breath or blood test means a 180-day suspension for a first refusal. Failing the test at 0.08 or above means a 90-day suspension. Second violations within 10 years double both periods to 2 years and 1 year respectively. The ALR suspension is entirely civil and separate from whatever happens in criminal court. Winning the criminal case does not cancel the suspension unless you also win the ALR hearing.

To get a license back after the suspension, a $125 reinstatement fee must be paid to Texas DPS. Driving records can be ordered at dps.texas.gov for $4 to $22. Records are not available by phone or at DPS driver license offices.

Nearby Counties

Brown County is in Central Texas and is bordered by several other counties with separate DWI court systems.