Brazoria County DWI Court Guide

The Brazoria County Detention Center at 3602 County Road 45, Angleton serves as the primary intake valve for DWI arrests.

DWI Court Procedures in Brazoria County, Texas: A Local Guide

Navigating a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge in Brazoria County requires understanding the specific procedures and potential friction points within the local legal system. This guide provides a localized overview to help you understand the process.

Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearings: A Critical Deadline

The most critical deadline in the entire DWI defense timeline is the 15-day window to request an ALR hearing. The clock starts on the date of your arrest/notice. Failing to request the hearing within 15 days results in an automatic suspension of your driver's license on the 40th day. Requesting this hearing is crucial to potentially retain your driving privileges.

Arrest and Vehicle Seizure

Following a DWI arrest in Brazoria County, your vehicle will likely be subject to a non-consent tow. You have zero control over where your vehicle is taken. It does not go to a central "police lot" initially; it goes to the private storage lot (VSF) of the wrecking company on duty. This means a defendant arrested on State Highway 288 might have their car towed to a lot in Manvel, Angleton, or Alvin, depending on the precise mile marker and the active rotation slot. After release from jail, obtaining the "Police Impound Form" or "Tow Slip" is crucial for locating your vehicle, but this is often lost or confiscated during booking.

Financial Implications of Vehicle Impoundment

Non-consent tow fees are capped at $272 for light-duty vehicles, but daily storage fees of $22.85/day and a notification fee of $50 can quickly escalate the debt liability. Be aware of the "12-Hour" Loophole. If a vehicle is stored for less than 12 hours across two calendar days (e.g., towed at 11:00 PM, released at 9:00 AM), only one day of storage may be charged. However, jail processing times in Brazoria County (intake + magistration + bonding) often exceed 12 hours, meaning most defendants will be charged for at least two days of storage.

Vehicle Recovery from Brazoria County Impound

Retrieving property or vehicles from county-controlled facilities is subject to extreme bureaucratic friction. Release is often by appointment only, scheduled at least one business day in advance. The county enforces a punctuality rule: "If Buyer is 15 Minutes Late, Appointment To Be Rescheduled For Another Day". Also, keep in mind that county facilities state: "No Lifting Equipment Or Assistance Will Be Available" and "Winning Bidder Is Responsible For Bringing Own Batteries".

County Court Information

Misdemeanor DWI cases are funneled through the County Courts at Law (No. 1–4) located at the Courthouse complex on East Locust Street in Angleton, distinct from the detention facility.

Bail Bonds

DWI First Offense (Class B Misdemeanor) bail is typically set between $500 and $1,000. Keep in mind, the Sheriff’s Office often does not accept credit cards for bail at the window.

Asset Recovery

Official county auctions and release from county surplus lots at 1340 E. Kiber are explicitly "Cash Only" or strictly limit payment methods, with the emphatic statement: "CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED."

The Brazoria County Detention Center is located at 3602 County Road 45, Angleton, TX 77515.