Grimes County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Grimes, TX: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Grimes County can feel overwhelming. You're likely facing immediate questions about your license, your car, and your freedom. Adding to the stress, Grimes County presents unique logistical challenges. For example, the county seat of Anderson, where the jail and courts are located, is a separate town from Navasota, where the majority of arrests occur. This guide provides immediate, practical steps you can take to navigate the Grimes County DUI process effectively. Knowing where to go, who to call, and what to expect can make a significant difference. In 2023, the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office reported 32 DWI charges, while the Navasota Police Department reported 11, reflecting a steady enforcement presence in the county.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

After a DUI arrest in Grimes County, the following steps typically occur within the first 24 hours:

• Arrest and Initial Processing: You'll likely be stopped by either the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Navasota Police Department (NPD), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), or, seasonally, the Todd Mission Police Department (especially during the Texas Renaissance Festival). DPS primarily patrols State Highways 6 and 105, while GCSO focuses on Farm-to-Market (FM) roads. NPD concentrates on traffic violations within Navasota city limits.
• Transportation to Grimes County Jail: Regardless of the arresting agency, you will be transported to the Grimes County Jail in Anderson, the county seat. This is located approximately ten miles northeast of Navasota.
• Booking Process: At the jail, you'll be photographed, fingerprinted, and your personal belongings will be inventoried.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process. Use these calls to contact family, a bail bondsman, or an attorney.
• Bail Setting: A magistrate will set your bail amount.
• Posting Bail: You can post bail in cash or through a bail bondsman. Several bondsmen serve Grimes County, including Gage Gandy Bail Bonds ((936) 206-7064), Sonny Ellen Bail Bonds (7479 CR 401, Anderson, TX, (936) 825-2118), and Wells, Wells, Wells Bail Bonding (1102 Foster Street, Navasota, TX, (936) 825-0445). Remember that if you use a bondsman, expect to pay a premium (typically 10-15% of the total bond amount). A standard DWI bond might be $500, meaning you'd pay a premium of around $150-$200 to the bondsman.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can severely impact your case. Pay close attention to these:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. Requesting this hearing is crucial to potentially retain your driving privileges.
• Initial Court Appearance: The date of your first court appearance will be on your release paperwork or mailed to you. Missing this appearance can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you fail to request an ALR hearing or lose the hearing, your license will be suspended, the length of which depends on your circumstances and prior record.

DUI Enforcement in Grimes

DUI enforcement in Grimes County is a priority for local law enforcement due to its location as a transit corridor between Houston and College Station. Here's what to know:

• Strategic Transit Corridors: Expect increased enforcement along State Highway 6 and State Highway 105. These are major arteries connecting Houston and College Station, resulting in high traffic volume and, consequently, more DUI enforcement.
• Texas Renaissance Festival: During October and November, the Todd Mission Police Department and multi-agency task forces aggressively patrol FM 1774 near the Texas Renaissance Festival. If arrested in this area during this time, understand that you will likely be dealing with a large influx of festival-goers and potentially out-of-county residents.
• No Refusal Weekends: DPS Troopers often coordinate with local agencies during "No Refusal" weekends and holiday periods to saturate high-traffic corridors.

Local Resources

• Grimes County Jail: (936) 873-9996
• Grimes County Courthouse: (No courthouse data available yet)
• Gage Gandy Bail Bonds: (936) 206-7064
• Sonny Ellen Bail Bonds: 7479 CR 401, Anderson, TX, (936) 825-2118
• Wells, Wells, Wells Bail Bonding: 1102 Foster Street, Navasota, TX, (936) 825-0445
• Frank's Towing and Repair: 303 Teague St, Navasota, TX 77868, (936) 825-7692
• Texans Crown Towing: Serves Navasota and Grimes County.
• ResQ Rangers: 3898 County Road 324, Navasota, TX 77868, (833) 737-7869
• DUI Attorneys: While we cannot recommend specific attorneys, search for qualified DUI defense attorneys who practice in Grimes County.

What Makes Grimes Different

Grimes County presents unique aspects to consider in your DUI case:

• Logistical Challenges: The separation between Navasota (where most arrests occur) and Anderson (where the jail and courts are located) creates logistical hurdles. Families may face challenges navigating rural roads, especially at night, to post bail.
• Economic Considerations: The median household income in Grimes County is lower than the state average, which can impact your ability to afford bail and legal representation.
• Towing and Impound Rotation: The GCSO and NPD use a rotation list for non-consent tows, meaning you don't get to choose the towing company. Your vehicle could be impounded in Navasota, Anderson, or a rural location.
• Vehicle Retrieval "Catch-22": You need a valid driver's license to retrieve your vehicle, but your license was likely confiscated. You'll need someone with a valid license to drive the car off the lot or obtain a notarized "Affidavit of Right of Possession."
• Texas Renaissance Festival Enforcement: Be aware of increased DUI enforcement in the Todd Mission area during the Texas Renaissance Festival (October/November).
• Navasota Towing Fee Caps: If your car was towed in Navasota, the maximum non-consent rotation tow fee is $250. Daily storage fees are capped at $22.85, plus a $21.03 impoundment fee and a $50 notification fee.

Remember, your vehicle will not be released to you without a valid driver. If your license has been confiscated, bring someone with you who has a valid license and can drive the car, or be prepared to complete an "Affidavit of Right of Possession," potentially requiring notarization. Frank's Towing and Repair (303 Teague St, Navasota, TX 77868, (936) 825-7692) offers 24/7 towing, but impound release is often "By Appointment," so call ahead.