Kaufman County DWI Lawyer
DWI defense in the Kaufman County courts, from our office in downtown Dallas.
In short: A DWI charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony, even without a prior DWI conviction. The alleged facts and qualifying prior convictions determine the offense level under Penal Code Chapter 49. Misdemeanors are heard in the Kaufman County Courts at Law. Felonies are heard in the 86th, 422nd and 489th District Courts. The separate ALR deadline depends on how DPS serves the suspension notice; check the notice immediately.
Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street. We handle cases in the Kaufman County courts in Kaufman.
Where will my Kaufman County DWI case be heard?
Misdemeanors are heard in the Kaufman County Courts at Law. Felonies are heard in the 86th, 422nd and 489th District Courts. Address: Kaufman County Justice Center, 1902 E. US Hwy 175, Kaufman 75142.
Who prosecutes DWI cases in Kaufman County?
The Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney's Office, on the second floor of the Justice Center, prosecutes both misdemeanors and felonies.
Whether an arrest happens in Forney, Terrell or Kaufman, county-level criminal cases are heard at the Justice Center in Kaufman.
Can a first DWI be a felony?
Yes. A standard DWI under Penal Code 49.04 is generally a Class B misdemeanor; a qualifying alcohol test result of 0.15 or more makes it Class A. But DWI with a passenger younger than 15 is a state jail felony under 49.045. Section 49.04(e) also makes DWI in a school crossing zone a state jail felony when the reduced speed limit applies. Qualifying prior convictions can increase the offense level under 49.09. Check the actual charging document before assuming a first or second arrest is a misdemeanor.
When must I request an ALR hearing?
The criminal case and driver-license case are separate. Texas DPS explains the notice deadlines: 15 days after a notice is served, or 20 days after DPS mails a suspension notice following blood-test results. Keep the notice and envelope and act promptly; do not calculate the deadline from the court date.
Are DWI penalties different in Kaufman County?
State law sets the penalties, so they do not change by county. Our Texas DWI defense page has the penalty table, license rules and defenses; see also first DWI and ALR hearings.
Which parts of Kaufman County do you cover?
We handle DWI cases from Kaufman, Forney, Terrell, Crandall, Kemp, and the rest of the county, including stops on US-80, US-175, I-20 and SH-34. Use the county and court listed on your charging and bond papers to confirm where the case is filed; city names and roads may cross county lines.
Where are people booked after a Kaufman County DWI arrest?
Most DWI arrests in Kaufman County are booked at the Kaufman County Jail, 1900 E. US Hwy 175, Kaufman, next to the Justice Center. The arrested person must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay and no later than 48 hours after arrest (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.17). The magistrate explains the rights and addresses bail if allowed by law. This appearance deadline does not guarantee release within 48 hours.
Where is the ALR license hearing for a Kaufman County arrest?
The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) hears it, not the county court. For Kaufman County, SOAH's primary contact for driver's license hearings is the SOAH Dallas office, 8700 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 126, Dallas 75247. Use the deadline on your notice: generally 15 days after service, or 20 days after DPS mails a suspension notice following blood-test results.
Is there a DWI court or program in Kaufman County?
The Office of Court Administration's specialty court registry (October 1, 2026) lists the Kaufman County DWI Court, an adult treatment court. The court and the program decide who is accepted.
How do I get started?
Criminal defense consultations are free. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat.
Last updated October 2026
Common questions
Where is my Kaufman County DWI court date?
Kaufman County Justice Center, 1902 E. US Hwy 175, Kaufman 75142. Check your bond paperwork for the court number.
Who prosecutes a misdemeanor DWI in Kaufman County?
The Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney's Office, on the second floor of the Justice Center, prosecutes both misdemeanors and felonies.
Do you have an office in Kaufman?
No. Our only office is in downtown Dallas. We handle DWI cases in the Kaufman County courts.
Free consultation
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Do not wait for your court date to get help. Call (214) 239-2013.
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This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.