El Paso County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in El Paso County, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in El Paso County, Texas, can be a disorienting experience. This guide provides immediate, practical information to navigate the crucial first hours and days following your arrest. El Paso County's legal procedures and resources have unique aspects, which this guide explains in detail.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in El Paso County

After a DUI arrest in El Paso County, you'll be taken into custody and processed at the Downtown Detention Facility. Texas law requires you to be brought before a magistrate "without unnecessary delay," typically within 24 to 48 hours. This guide will walk you through the steps of posting bail, understanding your legal deadlines, and recovering your vehicle.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest and Booking: You will be taken to the Downtown Detention Facility, located within the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
• Magistrate Appearance: Within 24-48 hours, you'll appear before a magistrate. The magistrate will inform you of the charges against you (e.g., DWI First Offense vs. DWI > 0.15 BAC) and set your bail amount. The magistrate relies on the El Paso County Justice Services Department (Pretrial Services) to determine if a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond is appropriate.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls, but the timing depends on the booking process. Contacting a family member or attorney should be a priority.
• Bail: Bail is set according to a pre-determined schedule and can be paid in cash, surety bond (through a bail bondsman), or a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond.
• Pretrial Services Interview: One of the most important opportunities in the first 24 hours is the interview with Pretrial Services. Providing accurate information regarding local residency, employment, and family ties is critical to getting a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Failing to request this hearing within the deadline will result in an automatic license suspension. Fax your request to 512-424-2650 and keep the receipt as proof of timely filing.
• Arraignment Date: Monitor the Odyssey Portal for your arraignment date.
• IID Requirement: Texas law may require an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle after a DUI conviction.

DUI Enforcement in El Paso County

El Paso County conducts frequent and random alcohol/drug testing. Be aware of the potential for frequent, random alcohol/drug testing and weekly appearances before the Review Court.

Local Resources

• El Paso County Court: 12501 E. Montana El Paso, TX 79938. Phone: 915-546-2280.
• Where to Post Bond: Bond Inmate and Trust Section
• Online Payments: https://www.offenderconnect.com/portal?action=FACILITYPAGES&siteID=51
• El Paso Police Department (EPPD) Impound: United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (URVMS), 11615 Railroad Drive, El Paso, Texas 79934. Phone: (915) 212-0205. Open 24/7.
• El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPCSO) Impound: Sheriff's Impound / Abandoned Motor Vehicle (AMV) Section. Contact: (915) 538-2009 or (915) 546-2280. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

What Makes El Paso County Different

• Pretrial Services Importance: El Paso County places significant emphasis on the Pretrial Services interview. A positive recommendation is the primary driver for obtaining a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond, allowing release without upfront cash or surety fees.
• Bail Bond Industry Regulation: The El Paso County Bail Bond Board strictly regulates the bail bond industry. Ensure you use an active bondsman from the "Active Bonding Companies Master List" to avoid delays.
• Bondsman Proximity Advantage: Bondsmen located closer to the Downtown Detention Facility (e.g., on Overland, Kansas, or Myrtle streets) often have faster processing times. Companies like E-Z III (700 E. Overland) and Amigo V (501 N. Kansas) are virtually adjacent to the jail, allowing for quicker paperwork processing.
• Release Timeline: Expect a 2-4 hour wait for release after the bond is posted. This can extend during high-volume periods or shift changes.
• Vehicle Impound Bifurcation: The impound location depends on the arresting agency. EPPD arrests result in vehicles being towed to United Road Vehicle Management Solutions (URVMS), while EPCSO arrests result in vehicles being taken to the Sheriff's impound.
• Vehicle Recovery Fees and Deadlines: If your vehicle was impounded by URVMS, be aware of the 48-hour "Notification Fee" ($50) deadline.
• DIVERT Program: Consult counsel regarding the DIVERT program eligibility versus fighting the charge in County Court. For a professional with a clean record, the hassle of the program (18 months of supervision) is often outweighed by the benefit of a dismissed charge, which may be eligible for expunction or non-disclosure (sealing) later, protecting their career prospects.

After posting bond, contact the Bond/Inmate Trust section of the Downtown Detention Facility. It is located within the Downtown Detention Facility.1 Texas law requires this appearance to happen without "unnecessary delay," typically interpreted as within 24 to 48 hours of arrest.