Bent County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Bent County

Being arrested for DUI in Bent County, Colorado, is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI arrests, the vehicle is impounded. This guide provides a step-by-step process for locating, claiming, and retrieving your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Acting promptly is crucial to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a private impound lot. Unlike larger cities with centralized municipal lots, Bent County relies on private towing companies, often located outside the immediate area of Las Animas. This means your car could be in a lot in a neighboring county, such as Otero County (La Junta) or Prowers County (Lamar).

It's essential to determine where your vehicle was towed as soon as possible. The arresting officer should provide this information, but it's your responsibility to confirm.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here are the steps you should take to locate your impounded vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have noted the name and contact information of the towing company on your release documents or temporary permit. Look carefully through all the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest.

• Call the Bent County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the information on your paperwork, contact the Bent County Sheriff’s Office at 719-456-1363. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest. They should be able to tell you which towing company has your vehicle.

• Reference your booking number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number readily available will help them locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, contact the impound lot to confirm their specific requirements for release. Generally, you'll need the following:

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 prove ownership of the vehicle. Bring the vehicle registration or title. A copy may be accepted, but the original is preferred.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees in full.

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. Here are your options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have a licensed driver pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need: In addition to the documents listed above, the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf will need their valid driver's license and a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to pick up your vehicle. A copy of the vehicle title or registration in your name will also be required.

Costs & Fees in Bent County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, creating a significant financial burden. Because Bent County relies on private towing companies that may be based outside the county, "en route" mileage fees can also apply.

Typical towing fees in Colorado generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees are typically between $25 and $50 per day. However, these are just estimates.

Fees vary by lot, so it's crucial to call the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fee schedule before you go. Ask about their towing fee, daily storage rate, and any additional administrative or processing fees.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm the payment methods they accept. Most accept cash, but not all accept credit cards or personal checks. Some may require a money order or certified check. Knowing this information ahead of time will save you a trip and potential delays. The Bent County Sheriff’s Office only accepts cash (exact change) or cashier's check for bond posting.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Contact the Bent County Sheriff’s Office or the arresting agency as soon as possible to determine where your vehicle is located. Then, contact the impound lot to confirm their requirements and payment options.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding towing and storage fees. To avoid this, act quickly to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot about a payment plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with your attorney: Discuss your situation with your DUI attorney. In some cases, they may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge the legality of the impound.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the lot, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find, both close-up and from a distance.
• 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. Obtain a signed copy of your written notification as proof that you reported the damage. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a temporary permit to drive my car from the impound lot to the interlock installer in La Junta? A: No. You will need to have the car towed to the installer if your license is suspended. Due to the lack of interlock installers in Bent County, this is a common and frustrating problem.

Q: The Bent Combined Court closes for lunch. Can I pay my impound fees at the courthouse during that time? A: No. The Bent Combined Court Clerk’s Office, located at 725 Bent Avenue, Las Animas, CO 81054, closes from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This includes all payment windows.

Q: If severe weather closes Highway 50, will the impound lot still release my vehicle? A: Possibly not. If the towing company is based in La Junta and Highway 50 is closed, they may not be able to process the release paperwork even if the vehicle is physically in Bent County. Call ahead to confirm.