Blanco County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Blanco County, TX: Complete Guide

Facing a DUI arrest in Blanco County can be overwhelming. The good news is that knowing what to expect and taking the right steps can significantly impact the outcome. This guide provides immediate, practical information specific to Blanco County, Texas, helping you navigate the legal process. Blanco County, experiencing a demographic shift with a 17.4% population increase since 2020, presents unique logistical challenges compared to larger urban areas, especially regarding transportation and court procedures. This guide will help you understand those specific challenges.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Blanco County

After being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Blanco County, you'll be taken into custody. This is just the beginning of a process that involves legal and administrative hurdles. This guide will walk you through immediate steps, critical deadlines, and available resources to help you navigate this challenging time.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Here's a general timeline of what you can expect in the first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Blanco County:

• Arrest and Field Sobriety Tests: You will likely be pulled over by an officer from the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office or a local police department. The officer may ask you to perform field sobriety tests and may request a breath or blood sample to determine your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
• Booking: You will be transported to the Blanco County Jail. During booking, your personal information will be recorded, you will be photographed and fingerprinted, and your belongings will be inventoried.
• Phone Calls: You will generally be allowed to make a phone call soon after booking. Use this call to contact a loved one or a DUI attorney.
• Magistration: You will appear before a magistrate judge who will inform you of the charges against you and your rights.
• Bail: The magistrate will set a bail amount. You can post bail yourself (if you have the funds), use a bail bondsman, or remain in jail until your court date.

Bail in Blanco County: Bail amounts vary but are typically set according to a predetermined schedule. Contact a local bail bondsman for specific information and assistance.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences for your case. Here are some key deadlines to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license.
• Arraignment: Your first court appearance, or arraignment, will be scheduled. Failure to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• Trial: If you choose to fight the charges, your trial will be scheduled.

DUI Enforcement in Blanco County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations aren't publicly advertised, be aware that the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments actively enforce DUI laws. Given the county's increasing traffic volume due to its proximity to Austin and San Antonio, heightened enforcement is likely.

Local Resources

• Blanco County Court: Information on court dates and procedures can be obtained through the Blanco County Clerk's Office.
• Bail Bondsmen: Search online for licensed bail bondsmen servicing Blanco County.
• DUI Attorneys: Consult with an experienced DUI attorney in the Blanco County area to discuss your case.
• Wimberley Towing: 174 Koch Road, Blanco, TX 78606. Dispatch: 512-375-1215. For vehicle impoundment and recovery.

What Makes Blanco County Different

Blanco County presents unique logistical challenges for DUI defendants, often referred to as the "rural penalty." Here are some key differences to keep in mind:

• Vehicle Impoundment: Your vehicle may be towed to a facility outside of Blanco County, potentially in New Braunfels or Spring Branch (Comal County), if Hill Country Customs is the responding towing company. This significantly increases the difficulty and cost of retrieving your vehicle. Hill Country Customs also enforces a strict "1 Hour Notice" policy before accessing the lot.
• Towing Rotation System: Blanco County uses a "Rotation List" system for non-consent tows, meaning you have no control over which towing company responds to the scene.
• Judicial System: Felony cases are handled by "traveling judges" from the 33rd and 424th Judicial District Courts, which serve multiple counties. This can affect docket scheduling and case processing times.
• Transportation: Limited public transportation options make it difficult to get around, especially if your license is suspended.
• Impound Costs: Wimberley Towing cites a starting rate of $300 for Blanco County Sheriff tows, which is slightly higher than the state baseline, likely due to rural mileage.
• Documentation for Vehicle Release: If someone else is retrieving your vehicle, they will need a TDLR-approved form (VSF013 or VSF001) that generally requires notarization. This can be challenging if you are incarcerated.
• Payment for Impound Fees: Cash is the most reliable payment method for retrieving your vehicle, as rural internet connectivity issues can sometimes affect credit card processing.

After a DUI arrest in Blanco County, your vehicle will likely be impounded. If Wimberley Towing tows your car, their lot is located at 174 Koch Road, Blanco, TX 78606. Contact them at 512-375-1215 to confirm and arrange retrieval.