McMullen County DUI and DWI Records

McMullen County DUI and DWI records are held at the District Clerk and County Clerk in Tilden, Texas. This is one of the smallest and least populated counties in Texas, but Texas DWI law applies fully here. This page covers how to find DWI records, which offices hold them, and what penalties apply under state law.

McMullen County Clerk Offices

The McMullen County District Clerk at co.mcmullen.tx.us/district-clerk handles felony DWI records for the 36th Judicial District. The 36th District is shared with Live Oak County. Felony DWI cases -- third offense and above, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter -- are filed here. The County Clerk at co.mcmullen.tx.us/county-clerk holds misdemeanor DWI records for first and second offenses.

Both offices are at the courthouse in Tilden. Online access is very limited for this small county. In-person visits or mail requests are the way to go. Copy fees are $1.00 per page for standard copies. Certified copies add $5.00 per document. For mail, include the name, any case information, a check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Texas DWI Penalties

Texas DWI law is set in Penal Code Chapter 49. Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in a public place is the core offense. Intoxication means a BAC of 0.08 or more, or impaired use of mental or physical faculties from alcohol or drugs. Either definition supports a charge, and both can be used together.

First offense is a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum of 72 hours in jail, up to 180 days, and fines up to $2,000. An open container raises the minimum to six days. A BAC of 0.15 or higher at the time of 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 covers all penalty levels in clear terms.

Second offense DWI: Class A misdemeanor, 30-day minimum. Third offense: felony, two to ten years in prison. Annual state surcharges of $3,000 to $6,000 apply on top of fines. Driving with a child under 15 while intoxicated is a state jail felony regardless of prior record. Minors under 21 face zero tolerance under Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 106.041. Any detectable alcohol is enough for a DUI by minor charge.

Accessing DWI Records in McMullen County

For DWI records in McMullen County, contact or visit the courthouse at 107 E. Main Street in Tilden. Because this is a very small county with limited staff, it is best to call ahead before visiting. Give the clerk a full name and, if you have it, a case number or year. For mail requests, include payment and a return envelope. There is no public online portal for case lookups in this county.

For statewide searches, the Texas courts portal links to re:SearchTX, which covers felony cases in many district courts. The DPS Crime Records Division holds conviction data online. Full records requests go through the DPS Public Information process. Driving records are available through the DPS driver record system.

Note: McMullen County has a very low case volume. Records from this county may be part of combined district court dockets that include Live Oak County filings.

License Suspension After Arrest

A DWI arrest in McMullen County starts the ALR process under Transportation Code Chapter 524. The officer takes your license and gives a 40-day temporary permit. You have 15 days to request a hearing. Miss the window and the suspension goes into effect on day 40 without review. ALR hearings are civil proceedings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings, separate from the criminal case.

Refusing a chemical test: 180-day first suspension or two years for a second refusal within ten years. Failing at 0.08 or above: 90-day first suspension or one year with a prior. To reinstate, pay a $125 fee to Texas DPS.

Crash Reports and Related Records

DWI crashes in McMullen County generate Peace Officer's Crash Reports (CR-3) filed with TxDOT within 10 days of the crash. Standard copies cost $6.00, certified copies cost $8.00 through the TxDOT CRIS system. Access requires a direct interest in the crash. For arrest records from the McMullen County Sheriff's Office, submit a written open records request directly to the sheriff.

For state-level criminal history, use the Texas DPS Public Information process. Email: publicrecords@dps.texas.gov. Mail: Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773.

Texas DPS handles public records requests for criminal history and driving data through the Public Information office.

In-person requests can be made at 5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756.

Nearby Counties

McMullen County is in South Texas between Laredo and Corpus Christi. These neighboring counties may have related records.