Travis County DUI and DWI Records

Travis County DUI and DWI records are on file at the District Clerk and County Clerk offices in Austin. You can search cases online through the county's case records portal or visit the courthouse in person. Travis County processes a high volume of DWI cases given its population, and it has one of the more robust online records systems in Texas.

Travis County District Clerk

Travis County District Clerk maintains all felony criminal records including DWI third offense and above, intoxication assault under Section 49.07, and intoxication manslaughter under Section 49.08. Travis County has 11 criminal district courts numbered from the 147th through the 403rd. All felony DWI cases in Austin and across Travis County go through these courts.

The online case records portal at traviscountytx.gov/district-clerk/case-records offers free public access. You can search by name, case number, attorney, or date range. Document images are available for purchase at $1.00 per page with immediate download. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee and are available in person or online. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys through eFileTexas.gov.

The Travis County District Clerk's office in Austin is the primary repository for all felony DWI case records in the county.

The District Clerk portal allows searching felony DWI cases across all 11 criminal district courts that serve Travis County.

Travis County Clerk - Misdemeanor DWI

Travis County has eight County Courts at Law that handle misdemeanor DWI cases. First and second offense DWI cases are Class B and A misdemeanors filed in county court. The County Clerk at 1000 Guadalupe Street handles those records. Online access is integrated with the District Clerk system, so you can search through one portal for both.

Travis County offers pre-trial diversion programs for some first-time DWI defendants. There is also a specialized DWI Court that combines treatment with court supervision. If a defendant completed a diversion program, records are retained for two years after dismissal, then may be destroyed. Convictions are permanent.

Austin Police Department Records

The Austin Police Department handles DWI arrests within Austin city limits. Their Records Division accepts requests online, by email, and by mail. Online requests go through the APD records portal. Email: policeopenrecords@austintexas.gov. Mail: APD Records, P.O. Box 689001, Austin, TX 78768. Standard response time is 10 business days, though complex requests may take longer.

DWI arrest reports from APD include the probable cause affidavit, field sobriety test results, preliminary breath test results, officer observations, and witness information. Body camera and patrol car camera video is available but has processing fees. Standard retention for body camera video is 90 days, though felony cases may be extended.

Fees: Reports $5.00, photos $5.00 each, video $20 plus media. All officers must be certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement under Occupations Code Chapter 1701 to administer field sobriety tests and breath testing equipment.

Austin Municipal Court

Austin Municipal Court handles Class C alcohol offenses including public intoxication, minor in possession, minor consumption, and open container violations. Four court locations serve Austin: the main Downtown Municipal Court at 700 E. 7th Street, North Municipal Court at 6719 N. IH-35, South Municipal Court at 5750 Menchaca Road, and Downtown Traffic Court.

Online services at the Austin Municipal Court website include case search by citation number or name, online payment, deferred disposition requests, and court date rescheduling. Deferred disposition is available for most Class C offenses. The fee is $50 to $150 administrative, with a 90-day deferral period. Alcohol-related offenses require no further violations during the deferral period.

Fine amounts at Austin Municipal Court: public intoxication $250 to $500, minor in possession or consumption $250 to $500, open container $200 to $400, plus court costs of $100 to $150 extra. Community service is available as an alternative to fines at a rate of $10 per hour credit. All minor in possession convictions require completion of an alcohol awareness course under Alcoholic Beverage Code Chapter 106.

Administrative License Revocation in Travis County

After a DWI arrest in Travis County, the driver faces both criminal proceedings and the Administrative License Revocation process. DPS manages ALR proceedings under Transportation Code Chapter 524. These two processes run at the same time but are completely separate. The outcome of the criminal case does not automatically affect the ALR, and vice versa.

At the time of arrest, the officer takes the driver's physical license and issues a temporary permit valid for 40 days. The driver has only 15 days to request an ALR hearing. If the hearing is not requested in time, the suspension takes effect on day 40. The hearing is civil, not criminal, and is held by the State Office of Administrative Hearings, not a Travis County court.

Suspension durations vary. First refusal: 180 days. First failed test: 90 days. Second or subsequent refusal within 10 years: 2 years. Second or subsequent failed test: 1 year. Drivers under 21 face stricter terms. Even a 30-day suspension requires a $125 reinstatement fee paid to DPS before the license is restored.

Driving records that show the suspension history can be ordered through DPS online. A Type 3A certified complete history costs $10. This record is often needed for insurance, legal matters, or employment that involves driving.

Cities in Travis County

Travis County is home to Austin, the state capital, as well as other communities. DWI cases from across the county go through Travis County courts.

Nearby Counties

Travis County borders these Central Texas counties. Each has its own court system for DWI cases.