Briscoe County DWI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DWI case in Briscoe County.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
Briscoe County Criminal Justice Center
About the Briscoe County Court System
The Briscoe County judicial system is bifurcated: County Criminal Courts at Law (16 courts) handle misdemeanor DWI cases (first/second offenses), while Criminal District Courts (20+ courts) handle felony charges (third offense, child passenger, injury, or death). The CJC houses both - misdemeanor courts on mid-rise floors, felony courts on high-rise floors.
Critical: Do NOT Do These Things
Warrant issued immediately
Anything you say can be used against you
Can be used as evidence
Additional criminal charges
Bail revoked, returned to jail
Others can be subpoenaed to testify
Security Screening & Prohibited Items
What to Expect
- Metal detector screening (remove belt, watch)
- Bag/purse X-ray scanning
- Allow 15-20 minutes for security
- Typical wait: 1-3 hours once inside
Do NOT Bring
- Weapons (including pocket knives)
- Pepper spray or mace
- Large bags or backpacks
- Food or drinks (water OK)
Court Day Checklist
Required Documents
Day-Of Reminders
Tip: Screenshot or print this checklist. Check items off as you prepare the night before.
How DWI Cases Move Through Court
1. Arraignment
First appearance, typically within 24-48 hours after arrest.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges
- Enter plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date scheduled
What to Know:
- Most plead Not Guilty initially
- Attorney will advise on plea
- Write down next court date
- Request public defender if needed
2. Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months. Your attorney handles most of this.
What Your Attorney Does:
3. Plea Bargain or Trial
Over 90% of cases resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain (Common)
- Reduced charges possible
- Lower penalties
- Faster resolution
- Known outcome
Trial (Rare ~5%)
- Jury decides guilt
- Higher risk/reward
- Takes 6-12+ months
- More expensive
4. Sentencing
Judge imposes penalties. First offense usually means probation.
Common Outcomes (1st Offense):
Related Briscoe County Guides
The Briscoe County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), under the command of Sheriff Garrett Davis, serves as the primary local arresting agency. The office functions as a command post and dispatch relay but does not house prisoners.
DWI Court Procedures in Briscoe County, Texas: A Local Guide
Navigating a DWI charge in Briscoe County presents unique challenges due to the county's remote location and limited infrastructure. Unlike larger cities, Briscoe County lacks its own jail and relies heavily on neighboring counties for detention services. This guide provides essential information on court procedures specific to Briscoe County.
Initial Arrest and Detention
If arrested for DWI in Briscoe County, understand that you will not be held in a local jail. The Briscoe County Sheriff explicitly states, "WE DO NOT HAVE A JAIL." Instead, you will likely be transported to either the Swisher County Jail in Tulia (806-995-3326) or the Childress County Jail (940-937-2535), depending on bed availability. Recent Commissioners Court minutes confirm that Briscoe County maintains jail contracts with Swisher County, Childress County, and Garza County. However, Garza County isn't usually a primary location. Contacting these jails is the first step in locating an arrestee. If negative, call the Briscoe County Sheriff (806-823-2131) during business hours, or wait.
The published dispatch number for Briscoe County (806-995-3555) actually connects to the Swisher County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center. This means that information about the arrest may not be immediately available to the dispatcher.
Court Appearances
Misdemeanor DWI cases (1st and 2nd offense) are heard in the Constitutional County Court, presided over by County Judge Rank Cogdell. Because Judge Cogdell is also the chief administrator of the county, criminal cases are not the sole focus of his office. Commissioners Court meets regularly on the second Monday of the month.
Felony DWI cases (3rd offense, DWI with Child Passenger) fall under the jurisdiction of the 110th Judicial District Court. The District Judge rides a circuit between four counties and may only be physically present in the Briscoe County Courthouse for a few days each month.
Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearings
Remember that in Texas, you only have 15 days from the date of your DWI arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Given the potential for mail delays in Briscoe County, do not wait for the notice to arrive by mail. File your request immediately via fax or the online portal to DPS Austin. ALR hearings for Briscoe County cases are conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) but are managed out of Lubbock.
Vehicle Impound
After a DWI arrest, your vehicle will likely be towed to Silverton Oil Company Inc., which appears to serve as the de facto impound for Sheriff's arrests. Be aware that this is a private company with potentially limited hours and a preference for cash payments. Another possibility, is Wilson Wrecker Service (806-296-2026) in Plainview, TX.
Bail Bonds
Briscoe County lacks a local bail bond company. Bondsmen serving the area typically operate out of Tulia, Plainview, or Amarillo.
To contact the Briscoe County Sheriff’s Office, call 806-823-2131 during their business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is located at the County Courthouse in Silverton.
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