Bastrop County DWI Court Guide

The Bastrop County Jail, located at 200 Jackson Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602, serves as the central processing hub for all DWI arrests in the county, regardless of the arresting agency (Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office, Bastrop Police Department, Elgin Police Department, Smithville Police Department, or Texas DPS).

DWI Court Procedures in Bastrop County, Texas

Navigating the DWI court process in Bastrop County involves understanding several key stages, from arrest and booking to court appearances and potential license suspension. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

Initial Arrest and Booking

Following a DWI arrest, you will be taken to the Bastrop County Jail at 200 Jackson Street. During intake, your personal belongings will be inventoried, and a trust fund account will be created for you. Note that family members cannot directly deposit cash; instead, they must use a third-party system, VendEngine, which involves mailing money orders to a processing center in Nashville, TN, or using digital kiosks. This can delay your ability to secure a bond.

Magistration and Bail

Texas law requires that you be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and no later than 48 hours after your arrest. Bastrop County utilizes videoconferencing for these Article 15.17 hearings. While the hearing itself may occur promptly, weekend arrests can result in extended detention due to limited weekend operations of administrative staff and bond board agencies.

For misdemeanor DUIs, jurisdiction lies with the Bastrop County Court at Law, presided over by Judge Benton Eskew. The physical location is 804 Pecan Street, Bastrop, TX 78602. The Bastrop County Clerk (Krista Bartsch) manages the administrative engine for misdemeanor cases. Felony DUIs (3rd+ or Intoxication Assault) are heard in the Judicial District Courts (21st, 335th, 423rd).

Pre-Trial Release and Bonds

Bastrop County utilizes cash bonds, surety bonds, and personal recognizance (PR) bonds. The Bastrop County Bail Bond Board oversees this system. If utilizing a commercial surety bond, be prepared to pay a non-refundable fee, typically around 10% of the total bail amount, to a bondsman. The Sheriff’s Office maintains an "Authorized Bail Bond Company List." For Class B Misdemeanor DUIs with a $2,500 bail, expect to pay a $250 non-refundable fee.

Vehicle Impoundment

If your vehicle is impounded, Bastrop County utilizes a Tow Rotation List, meaning the towing company is assigned by the Sheriff’s Office dispatch. Regular tows (light duty) are capped at $150.00, and storage fees are typically $20.00 per day. Be aware of the "midnight" billing cycle; a vehicle towed late at night can quickly accumulate multiple days of storage fees. To retrieve your vehicle, you will generally need a valid government ID, proof of ownership (Title/Registration), and valid insurance. Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) are required to allow access to retrieve insurance documents from the vehicle.

Court Appearances

The Bastrop County Clerk’s office, located at 804 Pecan Street, operates Monday - Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. While attorneys are required to E-File, pro se defendants can file in person. Business attire is strictly enforced in the Bastrop County Courthouse, prohibiting items such as shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and hats.

Administrative License Revocation (ALR)

You have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to contest the suspension of your driver's license with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Failure to do so will result in an automatic suspension taking effect on the 40th day after arrest. Bastrop County falls under the service area of the Austin SOAH regional office.

Probation

Post-conviction, you may be placed under the supervision of the Bastrop County Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD), located at 804 Pecan Street within the Courthouse complex.

The Bastrop County Clerk’s office is located at 804 Pecan Street, Bastrop, TX 78602.