Burnet County DUI and DWI Records

Burnet County DWI records are kept by the District Clerk and County Clerk in Burnet, the county seat. This Hill Country county is a popular lake and tourist destination, and its courts process DWI cases year-round. Cases go through the 33rd Judicial District for felonies and the County Court for misdemeanor DWI charges. Records are accessible in person at the courthouse or by mail.

Burnet County District Clerk

The Burnet County District Clerk in Burnet is responsible for all felony DWI records in the county. Felony DWI includes third and subsequent offenses, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter. The 33rd Judicial District Court handles these cases. The District Clerk maintains case filings, bond information, hearing records, plea agreements, and sentencing orders for all felony DWI matters.

Online access to Burnet County court records is limited. For direct access, visit the clerk's office at the Burnet County Courthouse or submit a written mail request. Have the defendant's name and approximate case date ready. Standard fees apply: $1.00 per page for regular copies and $5.00 extra for certified copies. E-filing is available for attorneys through eFileTexas.gov. The Texas Judicial Branch provides statewide guidance on public record access.

Burnet County Clerk - Misdemeanor Records

The Burnet County Clerk maintains all misdemeanor DWI records for the county. First and second offense DWI cases fall under the County Court at Law. First offense DWI is a Class B misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code Section 49.04. Second offense is Class A under Section 49.09. The County Clerk holds charge details, plea agreements, sentences, and all related court documents for these cases.

Both clerk offices are at the Burnet County Courthouse complex. Mail requests are accepted with check or money order payment. Fees are $1.00 per page and $5.00 for certified copies. In-person visits are welcome during normal business hours. Valid photo ID is required.

How to Search Burnet County DUI Records

The most direct way to get Burnet County DWI records is to contact the appropriate clerk's office directly. For felony DWI cases, that means the District Clerk. For misdemeanor DWI, the County Clerk. Both offices are at the same courthouse in Burnet. You can call ahead to confirm record availability before making a trip.

For statewide DWI criminal history, use the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. You can submit a public information request through the DPS Public Information Center by email to publicrecords@dps.texas.gov or by mail to the Austin DPS office. Phone requests are not accepted under the Texas Public Information Act.

Crash reports from DWI-related accidents in Burnet County are held by TxDOT. Officers must submit crash reports within 10 days for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Eligible parties can purchase reports for $6 to $8 through the CRIS online system.

Driving records can be ordered at dps.texas.gov for $4 to $22 depending on the type. A Type 3A certified complete history is $10 and is commonly used for legal purposes. Records are not available at DPS driver license offices or by phone.

Texas DPS statewide records are available alongside local Burnet County DWI records for a fuller picture of an individual's DUI and DWI history.

DWI Laws and Penalties in Burnet County

All Burnet County DWI cases are prosecuted under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49. A first offense with a BAC under 0.15 is a Class B misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum of 72 hours in county jail, up to 180 days, and a fine up to $2,000. A first offense at 0.15 or above is a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000.

Second DWI offense carries a mandatory 30-day minimum jail term. Third and subsequent DWI offenses are third-degree felonies under Section 49.09 with 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. State fines of $3,000 to $6,000 are assessed separately at sentencing. The full financial picture of a DWI conviction is detailed at txdot.gov impaired driving.

Burnet County's lakes and outdoor recreational areas draw tourists and boaters year-round. Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) is also an offense under Texas Penal Code Section 49.06, carrying the same penalties as DWI. Prior BWI convictions count toward DWI enhancement just as prior DWI convictions do.

For drivers under 21, Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 106.041 sets the zero-tolerance standard. Any detectable alcohol is enough for a DUI charge. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission also actively enforces alcohol laws at bars, restaurants, and marinas in the Burnet County lake area.

Note: Under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 14, officers can make warrantless DWI arrests when the offense is witnessed in their presence, which is the standard scenario for roadside stops.

License Suspension After DWI Arrest in Burnet County

A DWI arrest in Burnet County triggers the Administrative License Revocation process immediately. The officer takes the physical license and gives a 40-day temporary permit at the time of arrest. You have 15 days to request an ALR hearing with the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Miss that deadline and the suspension takes effect automatically.

Under Transportation Code Chapter 524, refusing a chemical test means a 180-day suspension for a first refusal. Failing at 0.08 BAC or above means a 90-day suspension. Prior violations within 10 years double both periods to 2 years and 1 year respectively. The ALR process is separate from the criminal case. A not-guilty verdict in criminal court does not automatically cancel an ALR suspension.

After the suspension, a $125 reinstatement fee must be paid to Texas DPS. Driving records can be ordered at dps.texas.gov. A full certified history costs $10 and shows all violations and suspensions. Records are only available online or by mail, not at DPS offices.

Nearby Counties

Burnet County is in the Texas Hill Country northwest of Austin. Adjacent counties each have separate court systems for DWI cases.