Graham County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Graham County

After a DUI arrest in Graham County, Arizona, one of your most immediate concerns is likely retrieving your vehicle. Arizona law, specifically A.R.S. § 28-3511, mandates vehicle impoundment following a DUI arrest. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to navigating the impound and retrieval process in Graham County, helping you minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

In Graham County, the specific tow yard your vehicle is taken to depends on the rotation schedule of the Graham County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) or the Safford Police Department (SPD), whichever agency made the arrest. Here are the primary towing service providers in the area:

• Nuttall's Towing LLC: 304 S 7th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546.
• Magnum Towing: 530 E U.S. Hwy 70, Safford, AZ 85546.

How to Find Your Vehicle

1. Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating the name of the towing company and its contact information. This is the fastest way to locate your vehicle.
2. Call the Graham County Sheriff's Office: If you cannot locate the paperwork, you can contact the Graham County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about your vehicle's location.
3. Reference your booking number: When contacting the Sheriff's Office, provide your booking number to help them quickly locate the necessary information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment of fees. Being prepared will streamline the process and prevent delays.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: You'll need to pay the towing and storage fees, as well as any applicable administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you: A notarized letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf may be required.
• Vehicle title or registration: To prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Graham County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for budgeting and planning. Fees can quickly accumulate, so prompt action is essential.

• Administrative Impound Fee (City of Safford): If your vehicle was impounded by the Safford Police Department, you will likely be charged a $150 administrative impound fee. This fee is mandated by a resolution passed by the City Council, citing A.R.S. § 28-3511 and § 28-3513 as the legal basis. This payment goes to the City of Safford, not the tow yard.
• Administrative Impound Fee (Graham County): If your vehicle was impounded by the Graham County Sheriff's Office, similar administrative fees may apply.
• Towing Fee: The base towing fee is typically around $105.
• Daily Storage Fee: Storage fees accumulate daily. Both Nuttall's Towing LLC and Magnum Towing charge a daily storage fee.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Friction Point: If your arrest occurs on a Friday night, and the City administrative offices are closed for the weekend, you may be unable to pay the $150 administrative fee until Monday morning. This means your vehicle will sit in the tow yard accruing daily storage fees, effectively creating a "weekend tax" due to municipal office hours.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. In Graham County, it's crucial to remember that:

• The City of Safford and the Graham County Sheriff's Office typically require cash or money orders for administrative fees.
• Towing companies may accept cash or credit cards, but it's best to confirm beforehand.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. Contact the appropriate agency and tow yard as soon as possible to begin the retrieval process.

After 30 Days

Under A.R.S. § 28-3511, vehicles are subject to a mandatory 30-day impoundment (often eligible for release after 20 days under specific conditions). However, most states allow the lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed after a certain period (often 30 days). Do not let it reach this point, as you risk losing your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some towing companies may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, an attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Check for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a written acknowledgement of your report.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Graham County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can navigate the process efficiently and minimize potential costs and complications. Remember to consult with a DUI attorney to understand your legal rights and options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What happens if I can't pay the $150 administrative fee to the City of Safford immediately after my arrest?

If you are arrested on a Friday night or over the weekend, you may have to wait until Monday morning when the City administrative offices reopen to pay the fee. During this time, your vehicle will continue to accrue daily storage fees at the tow yard, increasing the overall cost of retrieval.

2Can my spouse retrieve my vehicle if my license is suspended due to the DUI?

Yes, regulations in Graham County allow a spouse to retrieve the vehicle, provided they have a valid driver’s license and the vehicle is community property. However, this often requires the spouse to present the marriage certificate and the vehicle title, adding a documentation burden.

3Where do I go to pay the administrative fee if my car was impounded by the City of Safford?

You must visit the City of Safford administration or Police Department to pay the $150 administrative fee and obtain a release form. The tow yard cannot release the vehicle without this form.