DWI Records in Hamilton County Texas
Hamilton County DUI and DWI records are held by the District Clerk and County Clerk in Hamilton, Texas. These records document DWI arrests, criminal case filings, and court outcomes and are public records available to search at the county courthouse.
Hamilton County Overview
Hamilton County District Clerk
The 52nd District Court covers Hamilton County and handles felony DWI cases. Felony DWI in Texas starts with the third offense, which is a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code Section 49.09. That means 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter are also felonies handled by the District Court.
The Hamilton County District Clerk's office is at the courthouse on the square in Hamilton. Records include indictments, judgments, and all court filings. Searches can be done by name or cause number. Documents are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost an extra $5.00. E-filing is required for attorneys. In-person requests are available for pro se defendants and the general public.
| Office | Hamilton County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 119 E. Henry Street, Hamilton, TX 76531 |
| Court | 52nd District Court |
| Records | Felony DWI, Intoxication offenses |
Hamilton County Clerk - Misdemeanor DWI Records
Misdemeanor DWI cases in Hamilton County are handled by the County Court. The County Clerk keeps the records. A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. A second is Class A with a 30-day minimum jail term under Penal Code Section 49.09. Both types of records are kept permanently. You can look up cases in person at the courthouse and request copies.
County Court records show the complaint filed, the arresting agency, any chemical test results, the plea, and sentence. If the defendant was placed on probation, the terms and any completion or violation records are also part of the file. The County Clerk's office is a good starting point for first and second offense DWI searches in Hamilton County.
| Office | Hamilton County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 119 E. Henry Street, Hamilton, TX 76531 |
| Records | Misdemeanor DWI, Class A and B offenses |
DWI Law and Court Records in Hamilton County
Texas DWI law under Penal Code Chapter 49 is the same in every county. In Hamilton County, the Hamilton Police Department and the Hamilton County Sheriff handle most DWI arrests. Texas State Troopers also patrol the county highways. Each agency keeps their own arrest records, which feed into the court case files at the courthouse.
A DWI record in Hamilton County will show the arresting agency, the charge level, any chemical test results and BAC, the plea entered, and whether the defendant was convicted, acquitted, or the case was dismissed. Bond information shows what conditions the defendant had to meet while the case was pending. Ignition interlock devices are commonly required as a bond condition for repeat offenders.
If a crash was involved, the Texas Department of Transportation holds the peace officer's crash report (CR-3). Law enforcement must file that report within 10 days for crashes with injury, death, or over $1,000 in damage. The crash report is separate from the DWI case file and must be purchased from TxDOT for $6 (regular) or $8 (certified).
For minor DUI cases under Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 106.041, Hamilton County courts handle zero tolerance violations the same as other Texas counties. Any detectable alcohol in a driver under 21 is a DUI by minor. First offense is a Class C misdemeanor with fines and mandatory alcohol awareness education.
License Suspension After DWI Arrest
The Texas DPS automatically starts the Administrative License Revocation process after a DWI arrest. The 15-day window to request a hearing starts the day of the arrest. If the driver does not act, the suspension is automatic. The driver's temporary permit is valid for 40 days from the date of arrest.
First-offense suspension is 90 days for failing a chemical test or 180 days for refusing. Prior suspensions within 10 years can double the current suspension period. The civil suspension process is fully independent from the criminal court case. Reinstatement requires paying a $125 fee to DPS. See Transportation Code Chapter 524 for the full legal framework.
Driving records from Texas DPS show all violations and crashes. The complete history (Type 3) costs $10 online. You need your license number, date of birth, and DPS audit number to order online. Mail orders take up to three weeks.
Nearby Counties
Hamilton County is in central Texas. Each nearby county keeps its own DWI records at the local courthouse.