Kerr County DWI Records

Kerr County DUI and DWI records are held by the District Clerk and County Clerk in Kerrville, Texas. Whether you need to look up a DWI case, check charges, or get official court documents, both offices at the Kerr County courthouse handle criminal record requests. Texas law makes DWI court records public, and most filings are available by name search or case number.

Kerr County District Clerk

The Kerr County District Clerk maintains all felony DWI records in the county. The 198th and 216th District Courts both hear felony criminal cases in Kerr County. Felony DWI includes a third or higher offense, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter. Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49, intoxication assault is a third-degree felony and intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony. These are serious charges with state prison sentences if convicted.

The District Clerk office is located at the Kerr County Courthouse in Kerrville. You can request records in person or by mail. Documents cost $1.00 per page, with certified copies carrying a $5.00 certification fee. E-filing is available for attorneys. If you need to look up a specific case, call the District Clerk ahead of your visit to confirm what information you need to bring, such as case number, defendant name, or date of birth.

Kerr County Clerk - Misdemeanor DWI Records

The Kerr County Clerk keeps misdemeanor DWI records. First and second DWI offenses are Class B and Class A misdemeanors and are filed in the County Court at Law. A first offense carries 72 hours to 180 days in county jail. A second offense requires a minimum of 30 days in jail. Records show the charge, plea, and final outcome. The County Clerk is also at the Kerr County Courthouse. Call ahead for hours and current fees.

Texas DWI law under Section 49.09 adds enhancements for repeat offenders and special circumstances. A DWI with a BAC of 0.15 or above on a first offense is charged as a Class A misdemeanor rather than a Class B. A second DWI within five years triggers a mandatory ignition interlock device on any vehicle the defendant operates. Records of these conditions show up in the court file and can be viewed through the clerk's office.

Note: Kerr County has a strong presence of Texas DPS troopers on I-10 and Highway 27. Many DWI arrests in the area come from DPS, not local police. DPS trooper arrests feed into the same county court system.

Kerrville Police and Kerr County Sheriff Records

DWI arrests in Kerrville are handled by the Kerrville Police Department, while the Kerr County Sheriff covers unincorporated areas. Both agencies file reports that become part of the public record after a case is filed in court. You can request DWI arrest reports from either agency. Reports typically include officer observations, field sobriety test notes, BAC results, and booking information. Report copies usually cost $5.00 and take about 10 business days to process.

For statewide records or DPS trooper arrests, contact the DPS Crime Records Service. Requests can also go through the DPS Public Information Center by email, mail, or in person at 5805 N. Lamar Blvd in Austin. DPS processes most record requests within 10 business days. Some requests may take longer if they involve video footage or large files.

The Texas DPS official records portal provides a central place to request criminal and driving records.

DPS records supplement local Kerr County court filings and include data from all law enforcement agencies that report to the state system.

DWI Laws and Court Process in Kerr County

Kerr County prosecutes all DWI cases under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49. The basic charge of driving while intoxicated under Section 49.04 requires proof that the driver operated a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. Intoxication means a BAC of 0.08 or above, or not having normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs. The law covers more than just alcohol. A person can be convicted of DWI for being impaired by prescription drugs, marijuana, or any other substance.

DWI cases in Kerr County follow the standard Texas court process. After arrest, the case is filed by the District Attorney's office. The defendant is arraigned and enters a plea. Most misdemeanor DWI cases resolve through a plea agreement. Felony cases take longer and may go to trial. All hearings are public record. The district court docket can be checked through the clerk's office to see what is scheduled.

For DWI crash cases, the Texas Department of Transportation holds the peace officer crash report (CR-3). These can be ordered through the TxDOT CRIS system. Standard copies cost $6 and certified copies cost $8. TxDOT holds crash reports for 10 years.

License Suspension After a Kerr County DWI Arrest

A DWI arrest in Kerr County triggers the Texas Administrative License Revocation process through the Texas DPS Driver License Division. The officer takes the physical license at the scene and gives a temporary permit. The driver has exactly 15 days to request a hearing. After 15 days, the right to a hearing is gone and the suspension takes effect on day 41. This timeline runs whether or not the driver gets an attorney or goes to court on the criminal charge.

A first refusal leads to 180 days. Failing the breath or blood test at 0.08 or above means 90 days. Both periods double for a driver with a prior ALR within 10 years. These suspensions run independently from any criminal penalties. Even if the DWI charge is later dismissed, the ALR suspension stays in place unless it was challenged and won separately. After the suspension ends, a $125 reinstatement fee must be paid to DPS. The governing law is Texas Transportation Code Chapter 524.

Order driving records through dps.texas.gov. The Type 3A certified complete history costs $10 online and is the version that attorneys and courts need. Phone and in-person ordering at DPS offices is not available for driving records.

Nearby Counties

Kerr County borders several counties in the Texas Hill Country. DWI cases that occur near the county line may be filed in the adjacent county.