Conejos County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Conejos County

After a DUI arrest in Conejos County, Colorado, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Your car is typically impounded to ensure public safety and to preserve it as evidence if needed. Understanding the impound and retrieval process is crucial to minimizing costs and avoiding further complications. This guide provides the essential steps and information you need to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike larger cities with centralized impound facilities, Conejos County utilizes a rotation towing model. This means the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office dispatches the next towing company on their list. This can lead to your vehicle being located at one of several different locations, some of which are not even within Conejos County. Here are some potential impound locations:

• Southside 24 Hour Towing: 8302 S River Rd, Alamosa, CO 81101
• ACE Towing: 12 Washington St, Monte Vista, CO 81144

It's important to determine the exact location of your vehicle as soon as possible to start the retrieval process. Be aware that unscrupulous operators may attempt to charge a "Gate Fee" or "Access Fee" (up to $100/hr) for any entry to the vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

1. Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation that includes the name of the towing company and potentially the impound location.
2. Call the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office: If you cannot locate the information on your paperwork, contact the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office at (719) 376-2196. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest.
3. Reference Your Booking Number: Having your booking number readily available when contacting the Sheriff's Office can expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, ensure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid delays and additional trips.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must demonstrate 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 personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Conejos County

Understanding the costs associated with impound and storage is essential for budgeting and planning. Remember that storage fees accrue daily, so prompt action is crucial.

• Daily Storage Rate: The daily storage rate varies by impound lot. Contact the specific lot where your vehicle is stored to confirm the exact daily fee.

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

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to inquire about accepted payment methods. Most tow companies in Colorado are required to accept cash, Visa, and Mastercard, but it's always best to confirm. Be aware that the Conejos County Sheriff's Office requires payment for administrative fees (for a "Law Enforcement Hold" release, if applicable) by Money Order or Check ONLY.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your car remains at the impound lot translates to higher costs. Contact the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office and the towing company as soon as possible after your release.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to recoup the outstanding fees. Do everything possible to avoid this scenario.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The costs associated with towing and storage can be substantial, especially on top of other DUI-related expenses. If you are struggling to afford the 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 impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. However, this is not a common practice.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In certain situations, your attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees, particularly if there are discrepancies or concerns about the towing process.

If there is a "Sheriff's Hold" Bottleneck

In DUI cases involving accidents, felony charges (Vehicular Assault), or disputed ownership, the Conejos County Sheriff will place a "Law Enforcement Hold" on the vehicle.

The Friction: Private tow operators are legally prohibited from releasing a vehicle with a "Hold" status, even if the owner pays all fees.

The Logistical Loop: The owner must first physically appear at the Sheriff’s Office in Antonito (14044 Co Rd G.5) to obtain a "Release Form". Only after obtaining this paper document can they travel to the tow lot (which, as noted, might be 90 miles away).

The "Lunch Break" Vulnerability: The Sheriff’s admin office operates strict business hours (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM). If a defendant is released from jail at 4:15 PM, they have a 15-minute window to get the release paperwork. If they miss it, the vehicle remains in storage (accruing fees) until the next business day.

The "Cashless" Sheriff vs. "Cash" Reality

A critical operational nuance is the Sheriff's Office payment policy regarding administrative fees. While they handle the release paperwork, any associated fees for records or processing must be paid by Check or Money Order.

The Nightmare: A defendant arrives at the Sheriff's window with cash or a credit card to pay a records fee or admin levy. They are refused. They must then leave, find a post office or convenience store in Antonito to purchase a money order, and return. If this happens near the 4:30 PM closing time, they risk being locked out for the night.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the impound lot:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take detailed photographs of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing Before You Drive Away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing before leaving the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can be crucial if you need to file a claim later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Conejos County efficiently and minimize potential complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the Conejos County Sheriff's Office accept cash for impound-related fees? No, the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office requires payment for administrative fees related to impound release (such as a "Law Enforcement Hold" release) by Money Order or Check only.
2. What happens if my car was towed by M & M Repair and Towing in Trinidad after a DUI arrest in Antonito? If your car was towed by M & M Repair and Towing, it will be impounded in Trinidad, CO, over 90 miles away. This can result in significantly higher towing and storage fees due to the distance. Contact the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office to confirm the towing company and location, and prioritize vehicle retrieval to minimize costs.
3. What are "protected items" I can retrieve from my impounded vehicle without paying the full bill? Colorado PUC regulations protect your right to retrieve essential items such as prescription medication, medical devices, child restraint systems, and identity documents (license/passport) from your impounded vehicle free of charge, even if you cannot immediately pay the full towing and storage fees.