Smith County DUI and DWI Records

Smith County DUI and DWI records are on file at the District Clerk and County Clerk offices in Tyler. You can search DWI cases online or in person at the county courthouse. Smith County has multiple district courts and county courts that handle the full range of DUI-related offenses from Class B misdemeanors to felony intoxication charges.

Smith County District Clerk

The Smith County District Clerk in Tyler handles all felony criminal records, including felony DWI. Smith County has seven district courts that manage the full caseload, which is substantial given the county's population of over 240,000 people. Felony DWI charges include third-offense DWI, intoxication assault under Section 49.07, and intoxication manslaughter under Section 49.08.

The District Clerk's office maintains an online case search system at smith-county.com where you can look up cases by defendant name or case number. Free public access is available. If you need copies of documents, those cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies add a $5.00 fee. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys through eFileTexas.gov.

Smith County Clerk - Misdemeanor DWI Records

The Smith County Clerk at the same Broadway address handles misdemeanor DWI records. Three County Courts at Law handle Class A and B misdemeanor cases. First offense DWI is a Class B misdemeanor. Second offense becomes a Class A with a 30-day minimum jail term. Both are tried in county court and documented by the County Clerk.

Online case search is available through the county's portal. You can search by name or case number. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Payment methods include cash, check, and credit card. For large record requests, you may need to schedule time with staff in advance.

Tyler Police Department Records

The Tyler Police Department handles DWI arrests within city limits and maintains records of those arrests. Open records requests can be submitted online through the city's records portal. DWI arrest reports document the traffic stop, officer observations, field sobriety test results, and any chemical test data. Reports cost about $5.00 per copy.

Officers in Smith County must meet Texas Commission on Law Enforcement training standards for DWI enforcement. That includes certification to administer standardized field sobriety tests and, if applicable, operate an Intoxilyzer breath test machine. This training requirement applies across all Smith County law enforcement agencies.

Tyler Municipal Court

The Tyler Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanor alcohol charges, including public intoxication, minor in possession of alcohol, and open container violations. These are not DWI charges but are related alcohol offenses that often appear alongside DWI cases. The municipal court is located at 813 W. Ferguson Street in Tyler.

Public intoxication is charged under Texas Penal Code Section 49.02. It is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. Under Code of Criminal Procedure Article 14.031, officers can release a public intoxication suspect to a responsible adult or a treatment facility instead of making an arrest. Not all public intoxication incidents result in a formal case.

Minor in possession cases under Alcoholic Beverage Code Chapter 106 also go through municipal court when prosecuted as Class C offenses. Online ticket payment and case lookup are available at the city's website. Deferred disposition is an option for eligible cases.

Searching DWI Records in Smith County

Smith County has better online access than most East Texas counties because of its larger population. The District Clerk and County Clerk both offer case search tools on their websites. You can search free of charge and view case summaries. Document images cost $1.00 per page to download.

For driving records with DWI history and license suspension data, use the DPS online system. A Type 2 record covers the past three years. A Type 3 shows complete history. The Type 3A is the certified version most often required for legal matters. It costs $10 online or $10 by mail.

The DPS Public Information Act request is the path for criminal history data held at the state level. You can email publicrecords@dps.texas.gov or mail a written request. Charges apply for copies over a certain cost threshold.

If you need crash report data tied to a DWI incident, those records come from TxDOT's CRIS system. Reports are not publicly viewable online but can be purchased. Standard copies cost $6, certified copies cost $8. Only persons with a valid interest in the crash can buy the report.

Note: All DWI conviction records in Texas are permanent. They are not automatically removed after a set number of years.

The Texas Department of Public Safety driver license portal provides access to driving records, license status checks, and information on the Administrative License Revocation program for Smith County residents.

DPS handles license suspensions tied to DWI arrests separately from criminal court proceedings. Smith County drivers have 15 days to request an ALR hearing after a DWI arrest.

Cities in Smith County

Tyler is the county seat and largest city in Smith County. DWI cases from Tyler and surrounding communities go through Smith County courts.

Nearby Counties

Smith County borders several East Texas counties. DWI records in those counties are held locally.