Getting Help with Your DWI Case in Cameron County

Cameron County DWI Defense

Phillip Goff represents people charged with DWI throughout Cameron County, including Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito, and South Padre Island.

Your Court Date & The Cameron County Courthouse

Address: Cameron County Courthouse, 974 E Harrison St, Brownsville, TX 78520 Get directions →
Local office: The firm's Los Fresnos office (101 S Brazil, Ste. A) handles most Cameron County matters.
Court hours: Monday–Friday, generally 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 p.m. for lunch in some courts).

Parking: Parking is mostly free in a few lots next to the courthouse (no meters). Lots can fill on heavy docket days, so arrive early.

Looking up your case:

• If our firm represents you — log in to MyCase for your court date, case status, hearing reminders, and any documents we've sent you. Reach out through MyCase first; it routes faster than calling.
• If you don't yet have counsel — most DWIs are misdemeanors, so check the court’s own docket rather than the District Clerk (which handles felonies). For the County Courts at Law, click your court or judge, then “DOCKETS,” then your hearing date under “Criminal.” For the District Courts, do the same under “Criminal” or “Civil & Criminal.” Some courts open the docket in your browser; others download it.

What to Bring

• Your valid government-issued ID (driver license or state ID).
• Any letters, notices, or court documents you've received.
• A notebook and pen for notes during your hearing.

How to Dress & Courtroom Etiquette

Texas courtrooms expect respectful, conservative attire. The court does not require a suit, but appearance matters to the people deciding your case.

• Wear: a collared shirt or blouse, slacks or a knee-length skirt or dress, and closed-toed shoes.
• Avoid: shorts, tank tops, hats, sunglasses, anything with profanity or imagery referencing alcohol or drugs.
• Phone: silenced or turned off before entering the courtroom. Many courts confiscate phones that ring during proceedings.
• Address the judge as "Your Honor"—stand when the judge enters or addresses you, and stand when speaking on the record.
• Arrive 30 minutes early. If you are not present when your name is called, the court can issue a warrant.

Arresting Agencies in Cameron County

DWI arrests in Cameron County come from a mix of agencies. Common ones include:

• Cameron County Sheriff's Office — county law enforcement; patrols the unincorporated areas of the county and runs the county jail. (956) 440-8441
• Brownsville Police Department — municipal police for Brownsville, the county's largest city. (956) 548-7000
• Harlingen Police Department — municipal police for Harlingen. (956) 216-5940
• San Benito Police Department — municipal police for San Benito. (956) 361-3880
• Los Fresnos Police Department — municipal police for Los Fresnos. (956) 233-4473
• Port Isabel Police Department — municipal police for Port Isabel, by the causeway to South Padre. (956) 943-2727
• South Padre Island Police Department — municipal police for South Padre Island; active DWI enforcement during Spring Break. (956) 761-5454
• Texas DPS Highway Patrol — state troopers patrolling the highways and interstates across the Rio Grande Valley. (956) 565-7600

Where Breath and Blood Tests Are Processed

Breath tests are administered on the Intoxilyzer 9000, which is maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety and kept at the arresting agency's jail or station. When blood is drawn—typically at a local hospital under a warrant—the sample is sent to the Texas DPS Crime Laboratory in Weslaco for analysis.

What to Know About Cameron County

Cameron County's seat is Brownsville, and DWI cases are heard at the Cameron County Courthouse there. Charges are prosecuted by the Cameron County District Attorney's Office.

Texas DWI Law — Statewide Reference

The state-wide rules that apply to every Texas DWI case—penalty schedules, the 15-day ALR clock, breath and blood test challenges—are covered on these reference pages:

• DWI Defense Overview — qualifications, credentials, and how Attorney Goff approaches every DWI case.
• Texas DWI Penalty Schedule — first, second, third offense, aggravating factors, collateral consequences.
• The 15-Day ALR Hearing — what it is, why missing it costs your license, what happens at the hearing.
• Breath Test Defense — the Intoxilyzer 9000 and how its results get challenged.
• Blood Test Defense — chain of custody, lab errors, retrograde extrapolation.