Harris County DWI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DWI case in Harris County.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
Harris County Criminal Justice Center (CJC)
About the Harris County Court System
The Harris 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 Harris County Guides
Harris County has pioneered specialized therapeutic court programs like the SOBER Court (Saving Ourselves By Education and Recovery) designed to address the root causes of recidivism for DWI offenders.
Harris County Criminal Justice Center
Your DWI case will likely be heard at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center (CJC) located at 1201 Franklin Street, Houston, TX 77002. Felony courts are typically on higher floors (e.g., the 174th District Court is on the 19th Floor), while misdemeanor courts are usually on the lower to mid-range floors (e.g., County Courts #1-5 are on the 8th Floor).
Security Protocol
The CJC operates with airport-style security. All entrants pass through metal detectors and must remove belts, shoes, and metal objects. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. While cell phones are generally permitted, they must be silenced. Cameras and recording devices are restricted.
What to Expect at Your First Hearing
Arrive early. Court dockets typically commence at 9:00 AM, but you should arrive by 8:30 AM to clear security. There is no free parking so budget $10-$20 for downtown parking lots or garages.
Harris County DUI Court Program: SOBER Court
The SOBER Court is a voluntary diversion program for "high risk/high need" offenders requiring a guilty plea but offering a suspended sentence or reduced penalties upon successful completion. The program typically lasts 12 to 18 months.
Participating Courts: The program is housed within five specific County Criminal Courts at Law:
- Court 1 (Judge Salgado)
- Court 3 (Judge Johnson)
- Court 11 (Judge Walker)
- Court 12 (Judge Guice)
- Court 13 (Judge Rodriguez)
To be eligible, defendants must reside in Harris County and undergo a standardized risk assessment. The program is not for everyone. It targets those most likely to re-offend without intervention, such as DWI 2nd offenders or DWI 1st offenders with high-risk factors (e.g., high BAC, history of abuse). Defendants with prior violent crimes, sex offenses, or cases involving the use of a firearm are generally excluded. Participation requires a $60 monthly supervision fee and mandatory attendance at substance abuse counseling and treatment sessions.
Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)
PTI is a diversion track primarily for first-time offenders with no prior criminal history. Successful completion results in the dismissal of the charge and eligibility for expunction, effectively wiping the arrest from the defendant's record.
Harris County Clerk
The Harris County Clerk manages records for misdemeanor cases and is located at 201 Caroline, Suite 310. The District Clerk manages records for the felony courts and is located at 201 Caroline, Suite 420. The District Clerk provides a 24-hour drop box at 201 Caroline for after-hours filings. The Harris County Criminal Justice Center (CJC) is located at 1201 Franklin Street, Houston, TX 77002 and is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
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