Every Hidalgo County DWI case is heard at the county courthouse in Edinburg. Here is what to expect there, the deadline that protects your license, and how Phillip Goff defends you.
Phillip Goff represents people charged with DWI throughout Hidalgo County, including McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Pharr, Weslaco, and the broader Rio Grande Valley.
Every Hidalgo County DWI is heard at the county courthouse in Edinburg, but what happens before court depends on where you were stopped. Start with your city:
Address: Hidalgo County Courthouse, 100 N Closner Blvd, Edinburg, TX 78539 Get directions → Local office: Our Mission office handles every Hidalgo County case. Meetings are by appointment only; there are no walk-ins. 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: Street parking is the norm around the courthouse and is spread out across the surrounding blocks; a few lots are available, and additional parking is being built on Closner just north of the courthouse. See the county’s parking lot plan maps. Hidalgo County runs the highest DWI case volume in the RGV—arrive at least 45 minutes early on docket days.
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 — look up your case (Class B and Class A misdemeanors and all felonies; not Class C) on the Hidalgo County public access portal. Click “Criminal Case Records,” then under the red “Required Fields” click “Case” and then “Defendant.” Enter your last, first, and middle name with your date of birth as MM/DD/YYYY, then click “Search.” Open your case using the blue number to the left of your name, then scroll down and look to the left for past and future hearing dates. The information may not be complete or up to the minute.
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 Hidalgo County
DWI arrests in Hidalgo County come from a mix of agencies. Common ones include:
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office — county law enforcement; patrols the unincorporated areas of the county and runs the county jail.
Edinburg Police Department — municipal police for Edinburg, the county seat.
Mission Police Department — municipal police for Mission. (956) 584-5000
Pharr Police Department — municipal police for Pharr. (956) 787-8546
Weslaco Police Department — municipal police for Weslaco. (956) 968-8591
Mercedes Police Department — municipal police for Mercedes. (956) 565-3102
San Juan Police Department — municipal police for San Juan.
Donna Police Department — municipal police for Donna. (956) 464-4481
Alamo Police Department — municipal police for Alamo. (956) 787-1454
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, 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 Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County's seat is Edinburg, where DWI cases are heard at the Hidalgo County Courthouse—including the new courthouse that recently opened in Edinburg. Charges are prosecuted by the Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney's Office.
Your 15-day license deadline
After a DWI arrest you have 15 days to request the hearing that can keep your license from being suspended. Enter your arrest date.
Choose your arrest date
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.
