Sterling County DWI Records
Sterling County DUI and DWI records are filed at the District Clerk and County Clerk offices in Sterling City. You can access DWI case records in person at the Sterling County Courthouse or submit a written request by mail. Sterling County is a small rural county in West Texas where all DWI criminal records are maintained locally.
Sterling County Overview
Sterling County Courts and Records
Sterling County is served by the 51st Judicial District. The District Clerk handles felony DWI records including third-offense DWI under Penal Code Section 49.09, intoxication assault, and intoxication manslaughter. The County Clerk handles misdemeanor DWI for first and second offenses. Both offices are at the courthouse in Sterling City.
Online access is very limited for Sterling County. The county is one of the smallest in Texas by population. In-person visits or mail requests are the standard way to get DWI records here. Copy fees are $1.00 per page, and certified copies carry a $5.00 fee. Call ahead to confirm current hours before visiting.
For broader searches, the Texas DPS Crime Records Division maintains statewide criminal history data. Public information requests can be submitted by email to publicrecords@dps.texas.gov. Driving records can be ordered through DPS online for $4 to $22.
DWI Charges Under Texas Law
Texas law covers DWI in Penal Code Chapter 49. A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. The mandatory minimum is 72 hours. A second offense is a Class A with a 30-day minimum. A third becomes a third-degree felony with 2 to 10 years in prison.
Texas adds state surcharges at sentencing from $3,000 to $6,000 on top of regular fines. The Administrative License Revocation program under Transportation Code Chapter 524 runs parallel to the criminal case. Drivers have 15 days after arrest to request an ALR hearing or the suspension becomes automatic. For drivers under 21, Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 106.041 applies a zero tolerance rule for any detectable alcohol.