Brewster County DWI Court Guide

The towing landscape in Alpine and the surrounding county is dominated by a select few operators who often perform multiple roles within the automotive service economy.

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

Brewster County presents unique challenges for those facing DWI charges. Its vast geography and specific local procedures require a nuanced understanding of the legal landscape. This guide provides practical information to help navigate the DWI court process in Brewster County.

Vehicle Impound and Towing

The initial impound and towing of your vehicle can be a significant expense. Highland Automotive, located at 104 South Harmon Drive, Alpine, Texas 79830, serves as the primary Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) for both the Alpine Police Department (APD) and the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). They can be reached at (432) 538-3396. It is important to note their lunch closure from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, which can delay vehicle releases. Releases outside of normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) will likely incur an "After-Hours Release Fee." Cash is the preferred payment method.

If your arrest occurred on the outskirts of the county, Alpine Towing, LLC may have been involved, particularly for long-distance or heavy-duty recovery. Contact them at (432) 837-3486 (Dispatched via Law Enforcement).

Due to the distances involved, towing fees can be substantially higher than in urban areas. If arrested in Terlingua, the tow to Alpine is approximately 80 miles. Review the tow ticket carefully for mileage accuracy.

Also be aware of the "midnight" storage fee multiplier. Texas VSF rules state that you shouldn't be charged for two days if the vehicle is picked up within 12 hours, but local operators may default to charging for two days if the vehicle crosses midnight on their lot. Demand the "Time of Arrival" log.

The Alpine Police Department or Sheriff’s Office enforce a "sober release" policy, potentially delaying the release of your vehicle for 12 hours from the time of arrest. Designate a sober third party as an "authorized representative" to pick up the vehicle immediately to bypass this hold. This requires a release form from APD or BCSO, often needing notarization or witness by an officer.

When retrieving your vehicle, be sure to have:

• Valid DL (Sober Proxy)
• Proof of Insurance
• Proof of Ownership (Registration/Title)
• The "Blue Slip" / Release Form (obtained from the APD station at 309 W Sul Ross or BCSO at 201 W Ave E)

Bail Bonds and Jail Release

The Brewster County Jail is located at 307 West Sul Ross Avenue, Alpine, Texas 79830. You can try reaching them at (432) 837-6200 Ext. 5541. Jose Gutierrez is the Jail Administrator, reachable via email at jose.gutierrez@co.brewster.tx.us. There is no reliable real-time online inmate roster.

Defendants must be magistrated before bail is set, a duty typically performed by the Justices of the Peace (JPs). JPs usually conduct magistration once daily, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Standard shift changes typically occur at 6:00 AM/PM or 7:00 AM/PM, halting administrative processing. Time bond postings for "Green Zones": 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM or 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Parking is limited near the Jail. Park one block south or west on a residential side street to avoid predatory towing.

Expect the following baseline surety bond amounts:

• Misdemeanor DWI (1st Offense): $1,500 – $3,000
• Misdemeanor DWI (2nd Offense): $3,500 – $7,500
• Felony DWI (3rd+): $10,000+

An ignition interlock device is expected as a condition of bond for BAC >= 0.15 or repeat offenses.

Court Information

Felony DWI cases and appeals are handled by the 394th Judicial District Court, presided over by Honorable Monty Kimball. The physical address is Brewster County Courthouse, 201 West Ave E, Alpine, TX 79830, and the mailing address is P.O. Box 1410, Alpine, TX 79831. The phone number is (432) 837-5831. Court Coordinators Lori Holguin (lori@texas394th.com) and Andrea Sanchez (andrea@texas394th.com) manage the scheduling.

Misdemeanor DWI cases are handled by the Brewster County Court, presided over by Judge Greg Henington (County Judge). Sarah Lujan, Brewster County Clerk, serves as the Clerk of Court. The filing address is Brewster County Courthouse Annex, 201 West Ave E, Alpine, TX 79830. The Clerk's phone number is (432) 837-6200 Ext. 202, and she can be emailed at svasquez@co.brewster.tx.us.

Judge Kimball covers a five-county territory and is not in Alpine daily. Motions must be scheduled weeks in advance. The Court Coordinators manage the "Zoom Docket."

The 394th District strictly prohibits cell phones, recording devices, or cameras in the courtroom (physical or virtual) without permission. For Zoom hearings, treat the link as a physical door to the courtroom.

DMV/DPS and License Logistics

The Texas Dept. of Public Safety - Alpine Driver License Office is located at 107 West Ave E, Alpine, TX 79830. It operates on an APPOINTMENT ONLY basis. General DPS Customer Service can be reached at (512) 424-2600. ALR hearings for Brewster County are managed out of the Midland or El Paso regional SOAH locations.

Request the ALR hearing ONLINE within 15 days of arrest through the Texas DPS ALR Online Request portal.

107 West Ave E, Alpine, TX 79830