Marion County DUI and DWI Records

Marion County DUI and DWI records are kept at the District Clerk and County Clerk offices in Jefferson, Texas. This page explains how to find DWI case records in Marion County, which courts hold them, and what the law requires for impaired driving in Texas.

Marion County Clerk Offices

The Marion County District Clerk handles felony DWI records in the 5th Judicial District. Cases include third-offense DWI, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter. The County Clerk holds first and second offense DWI misdemeanor records. Both offices are at the courthouse in Jefferson. Online access is limited, so most requests are done in person or by mail.

Records go back many years. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies add a $5.00 fee. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order. Provide the full name and any case number or approximate year you have.

Texas DWI Charges Explained

Under Texas Penal Code Section 49.04, DWI means operating a vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. The law defines intoxicated two ways: a BAC of 0.08 or more, or loss of normal mental or physical faculties from alcohol or drugs. You can be charged under either standard, which means even a low BAC reading does not stop prosecution if impairment is visible.

First offense is a Class B misdemeanor. The minimum is 72 hours in jail, up to 180 days, with a fine up to $2,000. An open container in the vehicle raises the minimum to six days. A BAC of 0.15 or above at arrest makes it a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and fines up to $4,000. The TxDOT impaired driving page lists the full penalty structure.

Second offense is a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory 30-day minimum. Third offense is a third-degree felony with two to ten years in prison. State surcharges of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 per year are added on top of court fines. Driving with a child under 15 while intoxicated is a state jail felony under Section 49.045, separate from other charges.

For drivers under 21, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 106.041 applies a zero tolerance rule. Any detectable alcohol, regardless of amount, is enough for a DUI by minor charge. A first offense brings a fine, community service, and a license suspension of 30 days.

How to Get Marion County DWI Records

For DWI records in Marion County, visit or write the courthouse at 102 W. Austin Street in Jefferson. Staff can search by name or case number. If you do not have a case number, a name and approximate year help narrow the search. Copies are made while you wait in most cases, or you can pick them up the next day for large requests.

The Texas courts portal offers links to the re:SearchTX statewide case search system. It covers felony cases from many district courts. Check there first before making a trip. For statewide criminal history, the DPS Crime Records Division holds conviction data online. Full records go through the DPS Public Information process. Driving records are ordered through the DPS driver record system.

Note: Marion County has limited online record access. Plan for an in-person visit or mail request for most needs.

License Suspension and ALR

A DWI arrest in Marion County triggers the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 524. The officer takes your license at arrest and issues a 40-day temporary permit. You have 15 days to request an ALR hearing. If you do not request one, the suspension takes effect on day 40 with no further review.

Refusing a chemical test means a 180-day suspension for a first refusal or two years for a second refusal within ten years. Failing the test at 0.08 or above results in a 90-day suspension for a first offense or one year with a prior. Reinstatement requires a $125 fee paid to Texas DPS. The ALR process runs independently from the criminal DWI case in court.

Crash Reports and DWI Evidence

If a DWI in Marion County resulted in a crash, a Peace Officer's Crash Report may be on file with TxDOT. These reports are filed within 10 days for crashes involving injury, death, or damage of $1,000 or more. A standard copy is $6.00, a certified copy is $8.00. Access is limited to parties with a direct interest in the crash.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for incidents in the county. DWI arrest reports from the sheriff contain probable cause statements, field sobriety test notes, and chemical test results. Request these directly from the sheriff's office with a written open records request.

For state-level records, contact the Texas DPS Public Information office. Email requests go to publicrecords@dps.texas.gov. Mail requests go to Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773.

Texas DPS provides criminal history and driving records through the Public Information office for authorized requests under state law.

Requests are processed by the DPS Office of General Counsel at 5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756.

Nearby Counties

These counties border or are near Marion County in East Texas. Check the county where the incident occurred to get the right records.