Bowie County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Bowie County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Bowie County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
The Bi-State Justice Center, located at 100 North State Line Avenue, houses the courts, jails, and police departments of both Bowie County (Texas) and Miller County (Arkansas). This unique facility is central to DWI arrest processing in Bowie County.
DWI Bail in Bowie County, Texas: A Local Guide
If you've been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Bowie County, Texas, securing your release from jail is a priority. Bail is the process that allows you to be released from custody while awaiting your court dates. This guide provides locally-focused information about DWI bail in Bowie County.
Where to Post Bail
Following a DWI arrest, you will likely be taken to the Bi-State Justice Center located at 100 North State Line Avenue in Texarkana. This facility houses the Bowie County jail. Inquiries about an inmate can be made by calling 903-798-3432. Note that there may be a delay between physical booking and the record appearing online.
Local Bond Options
In Bowie County, there are a few options for posting bail:
- Surety Bond: The most common method involves using a bail bond company. These companies charge a non-refundable premium, typically 10-15% of the total bond amount.
- Cash Bond: You can post the full bail amount in cash. This money is held by the County Treasurer. Getting this money back requires filing a "Motion to Release Funds" with the District or County Clerk after the case concludes. The county deducts a 5% administrative fee (capped at $50) from the refund. Failure to file this motion often results in the funds sitting in the registry indefinitely.
Conditions of Release
Magistrates in Bowie County may impose conditions beyond the monetary bond. These conditions are more likely for repeat offenders or those with high BAC (Blood Alcohol Content). These conditions may include:
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): For subsequent offenses or high BAC (>0.15), Texas law mandates IID installation. A Bowie County magistrate might order this for first-time offenders as well.
- Drug/Alcohol Testing: Random urinalysis or SCRAM (alcohol monitoring ankle bracelets) may be required.
Release Timeline
There can be a "data lag" between physical booking and the record appearing online, causing anxiety for family members. Under Texas law, arrestees must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, typically within 48 hours, to be informed of the charges and have bail set. To expedite this process, Bowie County often utilizes video conferencing for magistration.
Security Protocols at the Bi-State Justice Center
The Bi-State Justice Center operates under maximum security protocols. Cell phones, smartwatches, and cameras are strictly prohibited in the visitation area. This prevents visitors from referencing digital contacts or notes during their visit. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo ID. Digital IDs on phones are generally not accepted due to the ban on devices. The jail enforces a strict dress code for visitors, including prohibited items such as shorts, skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, and clothing with offensive graphics.
Inmate Information
Transparency is facilitated through online tools like VINELink and direct phone inquiries (903-798-3432).
The Bowie County Sheriff's office is located at 807 James Bowie Dr, New Boston, TX 75570.
Sources
Texas Penal Code
Bowie County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety