Jim Hogg County DUI Records

Jim Hogg County DUI records and DWI case files are maintained at the county courthouse in Hebbronville. This small South Texas county processes DWI cases through its county court and the 49th Judicial District Court. Both misdemeanor and felony DWI records are public documents that can be requested through the county clerk's office during regular business hours.

Jim Hogg County Clerk Office

The Jim Hogg County Clerk in Hebbronville maintains all court records for DWI cases filed in the county. Misdemeanor DWI records are in the county court files. Felony DWI cases, such as third or subsequent DWI and intoxication-related felonies, go through the 49th Judicial District Court. The same clerk office usually handles both sets of records in smaller counties like this one.

Online access to Jim Hogg County court records is very limited. Most records requests must be made in person or by mail. Call the clerk's office before making a trip to confirm hours and procedures. Copy fees are standard at $1.00 per page for plain copies. Certified copies add a $5.00 certification fee per document.

How to Access Jim Hogg County DWI Records

For records in Jim Hogg County, you need to visit the courthouse in Hebbronville or submit a written request by mail. Online case search is not available here. When you visit, bring the defendant's name and approximate dates. Staff can search by name or case number and make copies for you at the counter.

Mail requests should go to Jim Hogg County Clerk, 102 E. Tilley Street, Hebbronville, TX 78361. Include the name of the defendant, the approximate date of the offense or case filing, what type of copy you need, and a money order or check to cover fees. Allow extra time for mail requests to be processed and returned.

The Texas courts website may have some case index data for Jim Hogg County. For crash reports from DWI accidents, the TxDOT crash report portal is a separate resource. Reports are $6 for a standard copy and $8 for a certified copy.

Texas DWI Law and Penalties

DWI in Jim Hogg County is prosecuted under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49. A driver is legally intoxicated at a BAC of 0.08 or when any substance impairs normal mental or physical function. Both standards can result in an arrest and charges.

A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. There is a mandatory minimum of 72 hours in jail, with up to 180 days and a $2,000 fine. Having an open container at the time raises the minimum to six days. If the BAC tested at 0.15 or higher, the charge upgrades to Class A misdemeanor status with one year maximum and a $4,000 fine.

A second DWI conviction is a Class A misdemeanor requiring 30 days minimum in jail. Third and subsequent offenses become third-degree felonies with two to ten years in state prison and fines up to $10,000. Jim Hogg County handles these felonies through the 49th Judicial District Court.

Texas imposes additional state-level fines after sentencing. For first offenses without aggravation, the surcharge is $3,000. For a high BAC case, it goes up to $4,500. For drug-related intoxication, it reaches $6,000. These run on top of court-imposed fines. See TxDOT's impaired driving page for a full breakdown.

License Suspension and ALR Hearings

Every DWI arrest in Texas triggers the Administrative License Revocation process. This includes arrests in Jim Hogg County. The Texas DPS manages ALR proceedings separately from the criminal case. A license can be suspended for failing or refusing a breath or blood test regardless of how the criminal case is resolved.

After arrest, the officer takes the driver's physical license and gives a notice of suspension that acts as a 40-day temporary permit. The driver has 15 days to request a hearing. If they do not request one, the suspension takes effect on day 40 automatically. ALR hearings are governed by Transportation Code Chapter 524.

A first failed test brings a 90-day suspension. Refusing a test brings 180 days. Prior offenses within ten years increase the suspension period. After the suspension ends, pay DPS a $125 reinstatement fee to get your license reinstated. You can check your driving record and status at the DPS website.

Additional Records and Resources

The Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Office enforces the law in unincorporated county areas and maintains arrest records. Written requests under the Texas Public Information Act are required. For statewide criminal history, use the Texas DPS Crime Records Division.

For drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol while operating a vehicle is a DUI offense under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 106.041. These cases are handled in lower courts and can result in license suspension, community service, and mandatory alcohol education programs. The TABC enforces alcohol laws involving minors across the state.

Public records requests at the state level go to the DPS Public Information Office. Requests to the county clerk should be written and submitted in person or by mail. The Texas Public Information Act requires a response within ten business days.

Nearby Counties

Jim Hogg County borders several South Texas counties along the Rio Grande region. Each maintains its own DWI records.