Refugio County DWI Records

Refugio County DUI and DWI records are filed with the District Clerk and County Clerk in Refugio, Texas. Located in the Coastal Bend region of South Texas, the county is a small jurisdiction with one district court. DWI cases at all levels are handled at the Refugio County courthouse, and records requests must be made in person or by mail.

Refugio County District Clerk

The Refugio County District Clerk maintains felony DWI records for the county. This includes third-offense DWI and higher, intoxication assault under Texas Penal Code Section 49.07, and intoxication manslaughter under Section 49.08. The District Clerk is located in the Refugio County Courthouse. Records requests must be made by visiting the office in person or by submitting a written request by mail.

Felony DWI records show the charge filed, bond conditions, hearing schedule, and final case disposition. Copies of case documents are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. You will need the defendant's full name and the approximate date of the offense to locate the case. If you have a case number, the search goes much faster. E-filing is available for attorneys through the state system at eFileTexas.gov.

Note: Small counties like Refugio sometimes combine certain clerk functions or have limited staffing. Call ahead before visiting to confirm hours and availability.

Refugio County Clerk - Misdemeanor DWI Records

The Refugio County Clerk keeps misdemeanor DWI case records. A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor and a second is a Class A misdemeanor, both under Texas Penal Code Section 49.04 and 49.09. These cases go through the County Court. Records include the arrest, the plea, fines, jail time if any, and probation conditions if applicable. The County Clerk office is in the same courthouse building as the District Clerk.

To get a copy of a misdemeanor DWI record, go in person or send a written mail request. Bring identifying information including the defendant's name and a date range for the case. Standard copy fees apply. Certified copies require an additional fee. Processing is typically done same day for available records during regular business hours.

Texas DPS maintains statewide DWI conviction data through its Crime Records Division, which can provide background on Refugio County cases when local records access is limited.

Refugio County Sheriff - Arrest Records

The Refugio County Sheriff's Office handles DWI arrests in unincorporated areas. Sheriff's arrest records and jail logs are separate from court records. To get a copy of an arrest report, submit a written public information request to the Sheriff's records staff. Fees for standard reports are $5.00. Processing takes several business days.

The Texas DPS Public Information Request portal is another avenue for accessing DPS records tied to DWI arrests in Refugio County. For crash-related DWI incidents, peace officer crash reports (CR-3) are available from TxDOT for $6.00 standard or $8.00 certified. TxDOT requests go through the CRIS online system.

Arrest data alone does not show the outcome of a case. The court record from either the County Clerk or District Clerk is what shows whether the case ended in conviction, dismissal, or some other outcome.

Texas DWI Law and Refugio County Cases

DWI in Refugio County is charged under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49. Section 49.04 sets the standard first offense as a Class B misdemeanor with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. A BAC of 0.15 or above elevates the first offense to a Class A misdemeanor. A third DWI is a third-degree felony, and DWI with a child under 15 in the car is a state jail felony under Section 49.045.

Refugio County cases may involve DWI on farm roads and rural highways, which are common in this area of South Texas. The Texas court system provides information about the judicial structure that applies to Refugio County. The 135th District Court hears felony cases here. The county judge handles misdemeanor cases through the County Court.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission at tabc.texas.gov may also be relevant when a DWI involves alcohol purchased from a licensed retailer. TABC handles licensing and can receive complaints related to over-service of alcohol.

Driver License Suspension After DWI in Refugio County

A DWI arrest anywhere in Refugio County triggers the Texas Administrative License Revocation process. The arresting officer takes the driver's physical license and issues a 40-day temporary permit. The driver must request a hearing from the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings within 15 days of arrest. If no request is made, the suspension takes effect automatically when the permit expires.

Refusing a chemical test means a 180-day suspension on a first offense. Failing the test at 0.08 or above means a 90-day suspension. Prior ALR action within 10 years doubles those periods. Under Transportation Code Chapter 524, the ALR process is entirely separate from the criminal case. A $125 reinstatement fee is required before DPS will restore driving privileges.

Driving history records can be ordered from dps.texas.gov. Options range from $4 for a basic record to $22 for a full certified history. The Driver License Division handles these requests online and does not process them at local DPS offices.

Nearby Counties

Refugio County is in the Coastal Bend area of South Texas. DWI cases in neighboring counties go through separate court systems.