Yuma County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Yuma County

Being arrested for DUI in Yuma County can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the first things you'll likely be concerned about is your vehicle. In most DUI cases, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed and impounded. This guide provides the immediate, practical steps you need to take to retrieve your car as quickly as possible and minimize storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Yuma County, your vehicle is typically towed to a designated impound lot. Here is information about the impound lot in Yuma County:

• JR's Towing Service: 401 N Albany St, Yuma.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name of the towing company and the location where your vehicle was taken.
• Call the Yuma County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Yuma County Sheriff's Office to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Have your booking number ready when you call, as this will help them locate your vehicle information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and have a way to pay the associated fees.

Required Documents

Generally, you'll need the following:

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of Insurance: You'll need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case, you have two primary options:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle for you.
• They Need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (stating they have your permission to retrieve the vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Yuma County

Understanding the costs involved in retrieving your vehicle is crucial. Here's a breakdown of potential fees you might encounter:

• Wray Tow Fee (Flat): $300.00 (First 5 days flat rate)
• YCSO Admin Fee: $150.00 (Post-storage hearing fee)
• Daily Storage (3 days): ~$141.00 (Assuming Friday arrest, Monday release)
• After-Hours Gate Fee: $103.70 (PUC standard for night/weekend release)

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

Payment

Contact JR's Towing Service in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. They may accept cash, credit cards, money orders, or a combination thereof.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total amount you'll owe. The Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) offers a limited release window for retrieving vehicles and expanding this to 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM would allow defendants released in the morning to retrieve vehicles immediately, saving days of storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. To avoid this, take action to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The costs associated with a DUI can quickly add up, and you may find yourself struggling to afford the impound fees. Here are some potential options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot if a Payment Plan Is Available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the expense. It's always worth asking.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees on your behalf.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and gathered your documents, you'll be allowed to retrieve your vehicle. Before you leave the lot, take these important steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any signs of damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you drive away. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim later.

Navigating the aftermath of a DUI arrest can be overwhelming. By taking prompt action and following these steps, you can retrieve your vehicle and begin addressing the legal challenges ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I don't pick up my car from JR's Towing Service? A: If you don't claim your vehicle within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), JR's Towing Service can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose ownership of the vehicle.

Q: Can I get a temporary "red license" in Yuma County to retrieve my vehicle if my license is suspended? A: No. The Yuma County Clerk & Recorder does not handle driver license reinstatements or hearings. To process a reinstatement, get a restricted "Red License," you must travel to a State Driver License Office. The nearest offices are in Sterling.

Q: The Yuma County Sheriff's Office is only open for a few hours a day. What happens if I get released from jail outside those hours? A: You may have to wait until the next business day to retrieve your vehicle. This can result in additional storage fees. Expand YCSO Records Hours: The current 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM release window is a major bottleneck. Expanding this to 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM would allow defendants released in the morning to retrieve vehicles immediately, saving days of storage fees.