Bowie County Court Process

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).

DWI Court Procedures in Bowie County, Texas

If you've been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Bowie County, Texas, understanding the court procedures is essential. Bowie County's unique location on the Texas-Arkansas border, particularly the city of Texarkana, creates a multi-jurisdictional environment impacting DWI cases.

Jurisdictional Complexities in Texarkana

The city of Texarkana, split by State Line Avenue, requires careful consideration of where the arrest occurred. An arrest in the northbound lanes of State Line Avenue typically falls under Arkansas jurisdiction, while the southbound lanes are in Texas. Despite inter-agency cooperation, this can cause confusion.

Phase I: Arrest and Vehicle Impoundment

A critical factor is whether you had proof of insurance. In Texarkana, Texas, a municipal ordinance allows officers to immediately tow and impound vehicles if the driver cannot provide proof of financial responsibility. Even a sober passenger won't prevent impoundment if insurance is lacking.

Towing Procedures:

• Texarkana Texas Police Department (TTPD): Utilizes a "Contract Wrecker" system. Your vehicle will be towed by a contracted company.
• Bowie County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) & DPS: Operate on a rotation list. Your vehicle could be towed to any one of a dozen local operators' lots, such as A-1 Towing or Bi-State Towing. Contact the Sheriff’s non-emergency line to locate your vehicle.

Retrieving Your Vehicle:

1. Obtain a Vehicle Release Form: You'll need a Vehicle Release Form from the impounding agency (TTPD or BCSO). Visit the Records Division at the Bi-State Justice Center (100 N. State Line Ave) or the specific police station. Records offices typically operate Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Storage fees accrue over weekends if you're released from jail on a Friday evening and cannot obtain the release form until Monday.

2. Gather Required Documentation: The impound lot requires:

• Proof of Ownership (title or current registration receipt)
• Valid Photo ID (driver's license or ID card - some lots may be hesitant to accept the DIC-25 paper permit without secondary ID).
• Proof of Insurance.
• Payment (cash or certified funds are often required).

Phase II: Detention at the Bi-State Jail

Following arrest, you'll be taken to the Bi-State Justice Center. You can try calling 903-798-3432 for inmate information.

Visitation Restrictions: The jail has strict rules, including a dress code prohibiting shorts, skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, and offensive graphics. Cell phones and smartwatches are also banned during visitation.

Bail Information: While judicial discretion allows for variance, historical and regional data suggest bond ranges for DWI offenses in Bowie County can vary. Magistrates in Bowie County routinely impose conditions beyond the monetary bond, particularly for high-BAC or repeat offenders. Texas law (CCP Art. 17.441) mandates IID installation for subsequent offenses or high BAC (>0.15).

Phase III: Administrative License Revocation (ALR)

You have 15 days from the date of arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Hearings for Bowie County arrests are adjudicated by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) via Zoom videoconferencing.

If your license is suspended, the Texarkana DPS office is located at 1516 Hampton Road. The office operates strictly by appointment.

Phase IV: Court Proceedings

Misdemeanor DWIs (1st and 2nd offenses) are handled in County Court at Law with Judge Craig L. Henry. The Bowie County Courthouse is located at 710 James Bowie Drive, New Boston, TX.

Transparency regarding inmates is facilitated through online tools like VINELink and direct phone inquiries (903-798-3432).