Alamosa County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Alamosa County

Being arrested for DUI in Alamosa County can be a disorienting experience. Beyond the immediate legal concerns, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. In most DUI cases, the vehicle is impounded, meaning it’s towed and stored at a local impound lot. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle in Alamosa County. The process can seem daunting, but understanding the steps involved will help you navigate it more effectively and minimize further financial burden.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. After a DUI arrest in Alamosa County, your car is typically towed and stored at a local impound lot contracted by the arresting law enforcement agency. The Alamosa Police Department (APD), the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), or the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) might have been the arresting agency. Unlike parking violations, where the car might be left, a DUI arrest typically results in a non-consensual tow because the driver is incapacitated by arrest and the vehicle cannot be left on a public roadway. The location of your vehicle isn't always immediately clear, but there are several ways to find out.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest and easiest way to find your car.
• Call the Alamosa County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you don't have the paperwork or can't locate the tow information, contact the Alamosa County Sheriff's Office. They can often provide you with the name and contact information of the towing company.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your booking number (if you have it) to help them locate your records more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it. Impound lots require specific documentation to ensure they release the vehicle to the rightful owner.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees (more on this below).

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.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you (giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Alamosa County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's crucial to understand the potential costs involved. Due to Alamosa using a "rotation list" for non-consensual tows, the defendant does not get to choose the tow company unless they are not under arrest and can articulate a preference that does not cause delay. In a DUI scenario, the "next up" rotation tow is the default. This introduces randomness into the cost.

Typical towing fees in Colorado generally run between $150 and $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these are just estimates, and fees can vary depending on the specific towing company and the circumstances of the impound.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Do not assume they accept a particular form of payment; calling ahead will save you a potentially wasted trip.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Contact the Alamosa County Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency immediately to determine the location of your vehicle and any holds preventing release.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. To prevent this, act quickly to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Towing and storage fees can be a significant financial burden, especially after a DUI arrest. If you're struggling to afford the fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Asking for assistance from loved ones can help you get your vehicle back quickly and avoid further storage fees.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. This can make the cost more manageable.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate the fees with the impound lot or challenge the impoundment altogether.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and presented the required documents, you can retrieve your vehicle. Before driving away, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help you pursue a claim for damages if necessary.

Navigating the vehicle impound process after a DUI arrest in Alamosa County can be challenging, but by following these steps, you can retrieve your vehicle efficiently and protect your rights. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and be prepared to pay the associated fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Alamosa County Probation Department located? The Alamosa County Probation Department is located in the same complex as the Alamosa Combined Court on Independence Way.
2. What hours is the Collections Office open in the 12th Judicial District? The Collections Office is open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This is an hour earlier than the court and clerk's office.
3. What happens if I miss the deadline to request a
   DMV hearing after a DUI arrest in Alamosa County? If you miss the 7-day or 10-day deadline to request a DMV hearing, your license revocation becomes automatic. There is no leniency for miscalculating business days versus calendar days.