How Much is Bail for Drunk Driving?

If you are arrested for a DWI in Texas, the first step is usually getting out of jail.

The good news is, this can usually be accomplished fairly quickly by posting bail. However, Texas’s bail system can be a bit confusing for those trying to understand it for the first time.

How does bail work in Texas?

For some crimes, the alleged offender can post bail and avoid sitting jail prior to his or her trial. Bail is a sort of leverage agreement between the court system and the defendant.

The court agrees to let the defendant leave jail if he or she agrees to come to court at a specific time. Bail is how the court ensures the alleged offender will return.

Typically, a friend or a family is contacted by the defendant.

After everything is explained, the friend or family members goes to a local bail bondsman. The bondsman puts up a “bail bond” on behalf of the defendant after being paid.

The bondsman then notifies the sheriff’s office or the court that bond has been posted, which starts the process for getting the defendant out of jail.

How much does bail cost in a Texas DWI case?

Unfortunately, there is not a hard-and-fast fixed number set for Texas DWI cases.

In all criminal cases, bail can vary widely depending on the person’s prior offenses, the facts of the case, whether or not it appears they will be a flight risk, and what city or county the charge is being brought in.

In terms of a rough estimate, a typical (bail amount) for a first offense DWI case that does not result in an injury or a car accident may range from $200-$1,000.

How Bail Bonds Work in Texas

While typical, your case may vary from these numbers based on the specific circumstances. However, remember, the defendant does not usually pay the full amount of the bail. The bondsman will usually only require you to pay them 10-15% of the total bail to post a bond on your behalf.