Fort Bend County DWI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DWI case in Fort Bend County.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
Fort Bend County Courts at Law
About the Fort Bend County Court System
The Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend County Guides
The Fort Bend County DUI process is a complex and fragmented system involving law enforcement, judicial bureaucracy, and private vendors, characterized by "insider friction" and a "compounding cost of delay."
DWI Court Procedures in Fort Bend County
Impound and Towing Realities
The initial phase involves non-consent towing and impoundment, governed by strict regulations. A key regulation is the "Zone Restriction," meaning your vehicle must be stored at a Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) within the specific zone where the tow originated. This can result in the vehicle being stored in a location significantly removed from the central jail in Richmond.
The standard non-consent tow fee is $175.00, but this is rarely the final bill. If the vehicle required winching, expect an additional $105.00 fee. There’s also an impoundment fee of approximately $20.00. The daily storage rate is $22.85.
Be aware of the "12-hour rule" regarding storage days. If a vehicle is on the lot for fewer than 12 hours, even if that period spans two calendar days, the VSF may only charge for one day of storage. A $50.00 "Notification Fee" is triggered if the vehicle is not claimed within 24 hours.
Release hours for many lots in the Richmond/Rosenberg area are standard business hours (8 AM - 5 PM). However, some have a "lunch break" trap where they lock their gates from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, creating a blackout window.
Administrative License Revocation (ALR)
You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IID)
If an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is required, Smart Start has locations at 15500 Voss Rd Ste 255 in Sugar Land, and on Murphy Rd in Stafford/Missouri City. Intoxalock has locations at 9914 FM 361 Rd and 51 E Hwy 90 A in Richmond, and at 16053 Lexington Blvd in Sugar Land.
Alcohol Monitoring
Recovery Monitoring Solutions (RMS) is the dominant provider of alcohol monitoring services mandated by the Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD).
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