Hidalgo County DWI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DWI case in Hidalgo County.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
Hidalgo County Criminal Justice Center
About the Hidalgo County Court System
The Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo County Guides
The immediate aftermath of a DUI arrest involves the seizure and impoundment of the defendant's vehicle.
Impound & Towing Logistics in Hidalgo County
Unlike jurisdictions that operate centralized municipal impound yards, Hidalgo County and its municipalities largely rely on a "voluntary wrecker rotation list" system. This decentralization means there is no single location for vehicle retrieval.
If arrested by the McAllen Police Department (MPD), your vehicle will be towed by a private vendor on the rotation list. You must contact the McAllen Police Department Records Bureau or the arresting officer to identify the specific towing company. MPD headquarters is located at 1601 N. Bicentennial Blvd.
For Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) arrests, your vehicle may be at a third-party lot unless it's evidence. The Sheriff's physical address is 711 El Cibolo Road, Edinburg, but your car is probably not there.
A standard DUI arrest occurring at 11:00 PM on a Friday in McAllen could cost $645.00 to recover the vehicle: Base Tow: $300.00 Mileage: $25.00 (5 miles x $5) Impound Fee: $20.00 Storage (Friday, Saturday, Sunday): $150.00 ($50 x 3 days) Non-Op Access Fee: $150.00 (If retrieved on Sunday)
The daily storage rate in McAllen ($50) is 118% higher than the standard state rate ($22.85).
VSFs are legally prohibited from releasing a vehicle without active insurance, even if the tow bill is paid.
Bail Bonds & Jail Release
The Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center is located at 701 E. El Cibolo Road, Edinburg, TX 78541.
The area surrounding the jail, specifically "Bail Bond Drive," is saturated with providers such as A-Quick Bail Bonds, Anzaldua Bail Bonds, and RGV Bail Bonds.
The Sheriff’s Office bonding desk often requires exact change or cashier's checks/money orders made payable to the "Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office." Personal checks are universally rejected.
Hiring a lawyer to post the bond is often the fastest route. The attorney files a Writ of Habeas Corpus, which compels the immediate setting of a bond, often bypassing the wait for the morning magistrate docket.
Booking and processing can take 4 to 8 hours on average. Inmate movement and processing typically halt during shift changes for headcounts around 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, and 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM.
Bond Desk Phone: (956) 381-7900.
DMV/DPS License Logistics
The Edinburg Mega Center is located at 2525 N. International Blvd, Weslaco and serves the wider area. Services are by scheduled appointment only. DPS releases a limited number of "same-day" appointments each morning around 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM on their website.
Ignition Interlock Installers
Smart Start has locations at 224 N. McColl Rd, McAllen & 501 N. Closner, Edinburg.
Intoxalock utilizes a network of third-party installers like Valencia’s Team (111 S. 4th St, McAllen) and AKI Electronics (500 S. Main St, McAllen). Numerous user reports highlight that Intoxalock devices can drain car batteries if the vehicle sits for more than 2-3 days.
LifeSafer is located at 1353 E. Hackberry Ave, McAllen.
Calibration visits often incur a separate fee ($20-$40) depending on the contract.
Alcohol Monitoring Services
Recovery Healthcare Corporation (also known as Recovery Monitoring Solutions) is the dominant provider for court-ordered alcohol monitoring and is located at 2827 S. Closner Blvd, Edinburg, TX 78539. They are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and are generally closed on weekends. They typically do not accept personal checks. Payments must be made via money order, cashier's check, or credit/debit card.
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