Nueces County DWI Court Guide

The primary repository for vehicles seized during custodial arrests by the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) is the city-contracted Vehicle Impound Lot located at 5485 Greenwood Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78417.

Nueces County DWI Court Procedures: A Local Guide

Navigating the DWI court process in Nueces County requires understanding specific locations, deadlines, and local practices. This guide provides critical logistical information to help you navigate the system.

Posting Bond in Nueces County

Recommended Minimum Bail Bond Amounts provide a baseline for financial planning, but magistrates often set bonds significantly higher (e.g., $1,500 - $5,000 for a Class A Misdemeanor) to account for public safety risks, especially in cases involving accidents or high BAC. You can post bond in a few ways:

• Cash Bond: Deposit the full bond amount with the Sheriff. This is refunded (minus fees) if you appear in court.
• Surety Bond (Bail Bondsman): Pay a bondsman a fee (10-20% of the bond) to post the bond. Bondsmen are clustered around Leopard Street near the jail. Cowboy Bail Bonds is located 3 minutes from the jail and operates 24/7. Be cautious of parking around Leopard Street, as it's heavily monitored for towing. Some bondsmen offer "free parking."
• Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: For first-time offenders with strong community ties, Pre-Trial Services may recommend a PR bond, requiring no upfront cash but strict conditions like reporting and Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation.

"Cite and Release" Program

Nueces County utilizes a "Cite and Release" program for eligible Class A and B misdemeanors, including some DWI-related scenarios or concurrent charges like Possession of Marijuana < 2oz. Instead of being booked, you'll receive a citation with a mandatory court appearance. You MUST appear for magistration at the designated time (usually 2nd or 4th Wednesday at 1:30 PM) in the Judge James E. Klager Central Jury Room, 1st Floor, 901 Leopard St. Missing this date results in an arrest warrant and a "Failure to Appear" charge.

Release Delays: The "Blackout" Periods

Posting bond doesn't guarantee immediate release. Processing halts during jail shift changes, typically around 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. If you post bond at 5:30 PM, expect release after 7:00 PM, potentially 8:00 PM or later. The average time from "Bond Posted" to release is 2 to 6 hours.

Courthouse Locations

A major issue in Nueces County is that County Court at Law 5, presided over by Judge Timothy J. McCoy, is NOT at the main courthouse (901 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401). It's at 2310 Gollihar Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78415, a 10-15 minute drive away. Arriving at the wrong courthouse can result in a "Failure to Appear" warrant.

Courthouse Security and Decorum

Nueces County courts, especially Justices of the Peace and many County Courts, enforce a strict "No Cell Phones" policy. You may be prohibited from bringing your phone into the courtroom. Leave electronics in a secure vehicle or at home. Prohibited attire includes "Shorts, Cut-offs, Baggy Pants, Flip-Flops, Hats, and Muscle Shirts."

Parking

While jurors get free parking, defendants must use public parking. The area around 901 Leopard is surrounded by metered street parking. Utilize daily-rate surface lots to avoid the "ticket or warrant" dilemma, as court dockets are unpredictable.

Local Programs

Nueces County offers specialized programs:

• Nueces County DWI Court (Divert Court): For high-risk/high-need repeat DWI offenders, involving intensive supervision, testing, and treatment for potential sentence reduction.
• Pre-Trial Diversion (PTD): For first-time Class B Misdemeanor DWI offenders, the District Attorney may offer PTD. This involves a contract: pay a fee, take classes, use an Interlock, and stay clean for a set period (e.g., 12 months). Success leads to dismissal and expunction. This requires proactive application by defense counsel.

Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearings

You have 15 days from the date of arrest to request an ALR hearing to challenge your license suspension. Hearings are conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). Requesting a hearing "stays" (pauses) the suspension. ALR hearings are often conducted via Zoom videoconference or telephone. The Corpus Christi SOAH Office is located at 5151 Flynn Parkway, Suite 303, Corpus Christi, TX 78411.