King County DUI and DWI Records

King County DWI and DUI records are held at the courthouse in Guthrie, Texas. Both the District Clerk and County Clerk maintain criminal court filings for the county, including DWI arrests, charges, and case outcomes. King County is one of the least populous counties in Texas, but DWI cases still flow through its court system when arrests are made by the county sheriff or Texas DPS troopers on local highways.

King County District Clerk

The King County District Clerk maintains felony DWI records in the county. King County is part of the 50th Judicial District, which is shared with several other West Texas counties. A traveling judge serves the district. Felony DWI cases, which include a third or higher offense, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter, are filed here. Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49, a third DWI is a third-degree felony carrying two to ten years in state prison.

Online records access in King County is very limited. Records requests require an in-person visit or a written request mailed to the courthouse. Documents cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies add a $5.00 fee. Call (806) 596-4412 to reach the District Clerk and ask about a specific case before making the trip to Guthrie, which has limited services and hours.

King County Clerk - Misdemeanor DWI Records

The King County Clerk at 800 S. Baker Street holds all misdemeanor DWI records for the county. First and second DWI offenses are filed in the county court. A Class B misdemeanor first offense carries 72 hours to 180 days in county jail. A Class A second offense requires a minimum 30-day jail term. Records include the charge, plea, and sentence. Call (806) 596-4413 to reach the County Clerk. In-person service is the primary way to access records here.

King County is very rural, and the courthouse in Guthrie operates on limited hours. Call before visiting to confirm office hours and what you need to bring. If you need certified copies, allow extra time as these require additional processing. For records from other years, ask whether older files are stored locally or have been archived elsewhere.

DWI Arrest Records in King County

DWI arrests in King County are made primarily by the King County Sheriff's Office and Texas DPS troopers. The county has no incorporated city with its own police department. Guthrie, the county seat, is unincorporated. Most traffic stops and DWI arrests on Highway 83 and other county roads are the work of the Sheriff or state troopers. DPS trooper arrests generate reports filed with the Texas DPS system.

For DPS arrest records, contact the DPS Public Information Center. Requests can go by email to publicrecords@dps.texas.gov or by mail to the Austin office. Processing typically takes around 10 business days. For statewide criminal history records, the DPS Crime Records Service maintains a database of all reported arrests in Texas.

For crash-related DWI cases in King County, the peace officer crash report is filed with TxDOT. Orders go through the CRIS online system. Reports cost $6 standard or $8 certified and are retained for 10 years.

The Texas DPS provides the primary online source for DWI and criminal records that touch King County cases.

Because King County lacks online court record portals, DPS records often provide the most accessible starting point for a DWI records search in this area.

Texas DWI Laws in King County

All DWI cases in King County are prosecuted under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49. The legal limit is 0.08 BAC for adults. Texas also uses a functional impairment standard, so even with a BAC below 0.08, a person can be convicted of DWI if the jury finds normal faculties were impaired by any substance. Field sobriety tests, dashcam footage, and witness testimony all contribute to the prosecution's case.

King County cases involving commercial vehicle operators use a lower BAC threshold. Federal rules and Texas law both set 0.04 as the limit for commercial drivers. A DWI conviction for a commercial driver in King County can mean permanent disqualification from holding a commercial driver's license under federal regulations. These cases show up in the district court records just like other felony DWI cases.

Minors driving under the influence face charges under the Texas Traffic Code rather than the Penal Code. The zero-tolerance rule applies statewide. Any detectable amount of alcohol in a minor's system while driving is a violation under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Chapter 106 and is filed as a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense.

License Suspension After a DWI in King County

A DWI arrest in King County triggers the Texas Administrative License Revocation process managed by the Texas DPS Driver License Division. The officer takes the license and issues a temporary permit. The driver must request a hearing within 15 days or the suspension automatically takes effect on day 41. The ALR hearing is handled by the State Office of Administrative Hearings and is completely separate from any criminal proceedings in the 50th District Court or county court.

First-offense failing BAC results in a 90-day suspension. Refusal to test means 180 days. These periods double for anyone with a prior ALR within the last 10 years. After the suspension, a $125 reinstatement fee is due to DPS. If driving for work or school is necessary during the suspension, an occupational license can be requested through the court. The occupational license requires an SR-22 insurance form and a judge's order. The full ALR framework is under Transportation Code Chapter 524.

Order a driving record at dps.texas.gov. The Type 3A certified complete history costs $10 online and shows all suspensions, violations, and reinstatements.

Nearby Counties

King County is in West Texas. DWI cases from the surrounding area may be filed in neighboring counties depending on where the stop occurred.