Starr County DWI Bail Guide
Bail amounts, how bonds work, and what to expect when getting released.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
DWI Bail Amounts
| Offense | Bail |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense | $500 – $1,000 |
| 2nd Offense | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Felony (3rd+) | $10,000+ |
| With Child | $10,000+ |
Amounts vary by criminal history, BAC level, and circumstances. Bondsman fee: 10% (non-refundable).
How Bail Bonds Work
The Process
Contact a bondsman
Available 24/7
Pay 10% fee
Non-refundable
Bondsman posts bail
They guarantee the court
You're released
Must attend all court dates
Co-Signer Warning
If you co-sign, you are legally responsible if the defendant fails to appear.
- 100% liable for full bail amount
- Collateral (house, car) can be seized
- Cannot cancel once signed
Release Timeline
Booking
2-8 hrsFingerprints, photos, background check
Arraignment
24-48 hrsJudge sets bail amount
Bail Posted
1-4 hrsPaperwork signed, fee paid
Release
2-6 hrsProperty returned
Booking
2-8 hours
Fingerprints, photos, background check
Arraignment
24-48 hours
Judge sets bail amount
Bail Posted
1-4 hours
Paperwork signed
Release
2-6 hours
Property returned
Total: 12-48 Hours
Weekends and holidays take longer.
FAQ
The Starr County Jail is located at 102 E. 6th Street, Rio Grande City, TX 78582. Understanding the dynamics of bail and release in Starr County is crucial after a DUI arrest. The economic realities of this border region significantly impact a defendant's ability to secure pre-trial release.
Local Bail Schedule
While judicial discretion ultimately determines the bail amount, Starr County generally adheres to a bail schedule. For a first-time DUI offender, a $2,500 bond is standard.
Local Bond Options
Private surety bonds are the most common method of securing release in Starr County. A defendant must typically pay a bondsman 10-15% of the total bond amount. Thus, on a $2,500 bond, this translates to approximately $250-$375. Personal Recognizance (PR) bonds, which allow release without payment based on a promise to appear, are reportedly less common in Starr County compared to urban areas. This makes the ability to pay a bondsman even more critical for release.
Release Timeline
The booking process at the Starr County Jail can take 2-6 hours, depending on staffing levels and the volume of intakes. During this time, the defendant may be incommunicado, and family members may experience a "data lag" before the online jail rosters are updated. An arrest on a Friday night often means the defendant will remain in jail until Monday morning unless a Justice of the Peace is available for weekend magistration. Texas law requires magistration "without unnecessary delay," typically interpreted as within 24-48 hours.
The Starr County Sheriff’s Office headquarters is at 650 FM 755.
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