Arrested for DWI in Kleberg County? Here’s What to Do Next

Kleberg County DWI Defense

Phillip Goff represents people charged with DWI throughout Kleberg County, including Kingsville and unincorporated Kleberg County. Kingsville and surrounding communities.

Your Court Date & The Kleberg County Courthouse

Address: Kleberg County Courthouse, 700 E Kleberg Ave, Kingsville, TX 78363 Get directions →
Drive time: ≈ 45 minutes south of the Corpus Christi office.
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: Free public parking is available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse and along E Kleberg Ave.

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 — the public docket is searchable on the Kleberg County District Clerk website. You will need your name and approximate filing date.

What to Bring

• Your valid government-issued ID (driver license or state ID).
• The citation or paperwork given to you at arrest or release.
• Any letters, notices, or court documents you've received.
• Proof of insurance, if available.
• 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: button-down shirt or blouse, slacks or a knee-length skirt or dress, 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 Kleberg County

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

• Kleberg County Sheriff's Office — county law enforcement; patrols the unincorporated areas of the county and runs the county jail. (361) 595-8500
• Kingsville Police Department — municipal police for Kingsville, the county's largest city. (361) 592-4311
• Texas A&M University-Kingsville Police Department — campus police covering the university and the nearby streets. (361) 593-2611
• Texas DPS Highway Patrol — state troopers patrolling the highways and the US-77 corridor through the county.

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 located at the Kleberg County Jail (Sheriff's Office). When blood is drawn—typically at a local hospital under a warrant—the sample is sent to a Texas DPS Crime Laboratory (Weslaco and/or Corpus Christi) for analysis.

What to Know About Kleberg County

Kleberg County has a lot of DWI arrests, and it is ground zero for a lot of reported crime. However, it's not because the community itself is particularly lawless or dangerous.

Instead, US Highway 77, which runs the entire length of the county, provides a rich source of traffic stops. Construction lasting decades, including now, make drivers even easier targets. Increased traffic stops equals increased DWI arrests.

Highway 77's direct path to Mexico makes it a natural first choice for smugglers. Drugs and people are trafficked on Highway 77 at a much higher clip than almost anywhere else in the country. Kingsville, the county seat of Kleberg County, is the first city north of the Rio Grande Valley after traveling for roughly 100 miles of mostly weeds, fence, and cattle. It's no wonder Kleberg County is a mecca for law enforcement.

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.