Hardin County DUI and DWI Records

Hardin County DUI and DWI records are on file at the District Clerk and County Clerk offices in Kountze, Texas. These public court records cover DWI arrests, criminal case filings, and outcomes for all DWI charges in this Southeast Texas county.

Hardin County District Clerk

The 75th and 136th District Courts handle felony criminal cases in Hardin County, including felony DWI cases. A third or higher DWI offense is a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code Section 49.09. Intoxication assault is also a third-degree felony, and intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony carrying 2 to 20 years in prison.

The District Clerk is at 300 W. Monroe Street in Kountze and can be reached at (409) 246-5150. E-filing is available for attorneys through the statewide e-filing system. Online record search is limited, so in-person visits or mail-in requests are the primary way to access records. Documents cost $1.00 per page; certified copies have a $5.00 extra charge.

Hardin County Clerk - Misdemeanor DWI Records

The County Court at Law in Hardin County handles misdemeanor DWI cases. The County Clerk keeps the records for first and second offense DWI. A first DWI under Penal Code Section 49.04 is a Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Second offense is Class A with a 30-day minimum. Records for all DWI convictions are permanent.

The County Clerk is at 300 W. Monroe Street in Kountze, phone (409) 246-5155. You can visit in person or request records by mail. Records show the charge, arrest details, chemical test results if any, the plea entered, and the sentence. If probation was ordered, the terms and completion records are also part of the file.

DWI Law and Records in Hardin County

Texas DWI law under Penal Code Chapter 49 governs all DWI enforcement in Hardin County. Section 49.04 covers the standard offense. The county is located in Southeast Texas near Beaumont and Lake Sam Rayburn, with US Highway 69 and other major roads running through it. DWI enforcement is handled by the Hardin County Sheriff, city police in communities like Silsbee and Kountze, and Texas DPS troopers.

Hardin County DWI records show the arresting agency, the charge, any chemical test results with the specific BAC, the plea, and the final case outcome. Bond records show conditions such as no-alcohol provisions or ignition interlock requirements. Probation records show DWI education completion, community service hours, and victim impact panel attendance.

For DWI crashes in Hardin County, TxDOT holds the peace officer crash report. Involved parties can purchase a copy for $6 (regular) or $8 (certified). The report details the scene, injuries, and contributing factors. It is separate from the criminal case file but may be referenced in court proceedings.

Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1701, all law enforcement officers in the state must complete training through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, including standardized field sobriety testing. This ensures that DWI stops and arrests across all counties follow the same procedures.

License Suspension and Administrative Review

After a DWI arrest in Hardin County, Texas DPS begins the Administrative License Revocation process. The officer takes the physical license and gives a 40-day temporary permit. The driver has 15 days to request a hearing or the suspension becomes final automatically.

For adults on a first offense, the civil suspension is 90 days for a failed test or 180 days for a refusal. These suspensions are entirely separate from the criminal case. A not-guilty verdict or dismissal in court does not cancel the ALR suspension unless the ALR hearing was also won. A $125 reinstatement fee is required to restore the license after the suspension. Full rules are in Transportation Code Chapter 524.

Driving records showing violations and suspensions can be ordered at Texas DPS online or by mail. The complete Type 3 record costs $10. Mail orders using Form DR-1 take up to three weeks to process. Records are not available at driver license offices or by phone.

Nearby Counties

Hardin County is located in Southeast Texas. DWI records for nearby counties are kept at those county courthouses.