Jones County DWI and DUI Records

Jones County DUI records and DWI case files are maintained at the county courthouse in Anson. The county clerk and district clerk offices handle both misdemeanor and felony DWI records. Jones County is part of the 50th Judicial District, which serves several West Texas counties. Records are public and accessible by visiting the courthouse or submitting a written mail request.

Jones County Clerk Office

The Jones County Clerk and District Clerk are located at 100 Courthouse Annex in Anson. The county clerk handles misdemeanor criminal records including first and second DWI convictions. The district clerk maintains felony DWI records under the 50th Judicial District Court, which also covers other nearby counties.

Jones County is in West Texas near Abilene. Online case search is very limited here. Most searches must be done in person or by mail. E-filing is available through eFileTexas.gov for attorneys on applicable case types. Copy fees are $1.00 per page for plain copies and $5.00 additional for certified documents.

How to Access Jones County DWI Records

To search DWI records in Jones County, go to the courthouse in Anson. Bring the name of the defendant and an approximate time frame. Staff can look up cases in their index. Copy fees apply at the counter. For mail requests, write to Jones County District Clerk or County Clerk at 100 Courthouse Annex, Anson, TX 79501. Include the defendant's name, dates, type of record, and payment by money order.

The Texas courts portal has some statewide case data that may include Jones County records. Crash reports from DWI accidents can be purchased through the TxDOT portal for $6 standard or $8 certified. Texas driving records are ordered through DPS online or by mail using Form DR-1.

Texas DWI Law in Jones County

Jones County DWI prosecutions follow Texas Penal Code Chapter 49. A driver is intoxicated under Texas law if their BAC is 0.08 or more, or if they have lost the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, drugs, or any other substance. Officers must have reasonable suspicion to stop a driver and probable cause to make an arrest.

A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. The court must order a minimum of 72 hours in jail. Maximum is 180 days and a $2,000 fine. Open container at the time of arrest raises the minimum to six days. A BAC of 0.15 or higher makes the charge a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum of one year and a $4,000 fine.

Second DWI convictions require 30 days minimum in jail and are Class A misdemeanors. Third offenses are third-degree felonies in the 50th District Court. These carry two to ten years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Texas also assesses annual state surcharge fines on DWI convictions on top of court-ordered fines and fees.

The TxDOT impaired driving page has a complete overview of DWI penalties in Texas. These apply uniformly across all 254 counties including Jones County.

Administrative License Revocation

Every DWI arrest in Texas, including Jones County, triggers the ALR process managed by the Texas DPS. The license is confiscated at arrest. A 40-day temporary permit is issued. The driver must request a hearing within 15 days to contest the suspension or it becomes automatic on day 40.

Under Transportation Code Chapter 524, failing a chemical test brings a 90-day first suspension. Refusing a test brings 180 days. Repeat offenses within ten years extend the suspension periods significantly. After the suspension, a $125 reinstatement fee must be paid to DPS before driving privileges are restored.

Note: The ALR suspension and the criminal case run separately. A not-guilty verdict or dismissal in criminal court does not automatically reverse an ALR suspension that has already been imposed.

Resources for Jones County DWI Cases

The Jones County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the unincorporated areas of the county. Written public information requests are required. The Anson Police Department handles city arrests. Both offices accept requests under the Texas Public Information Act.

For state-level criminal history, the Texas DPS Crime Records Division is the repository. You can request your own criminal history. Third-party access follows strict legal requirements. For public information requests to DPS, use the DPS Public Information portal.

Underage DUI cases in Jones County fall under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 106.041. Any detectable alcohol in a driver under 21 is illegal. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission enforces these zero tolerance rules and provides information on alcohol education programs required after conviction.

The standards for DWI enforcement training are set by Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1701. Officers in Jones County must be certified in field sobriety testing and other DWI enforcement techniques through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

Nearby Counties

Jones County is in West Texas near Abilene. These bordering counties each have their own DWI court records.