Elbert County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Elbert County

Being arrested for DUI in Elbert County, Colorado, is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate consequences is often the impoundment of your vehicle. This guide provides the essential steps you need to take to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize costs and avoid further complications. Remember that the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office handles approximately 18,000 calls for service annually, so prompt action on your part is essential.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Elbert County, your vehicle is typically towed to a designated impound lot. Here are two potential locations where your car might be taken:

• Winterberg Oil Co Wrecker Service: 21909 US-40, Limon, CO 80828
• Saucedo's Towing LLC: 6028 Arrowhead Trail, Elizabeth, CO 80107

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle quickly is essential to minimize storage fees. Here's how to find out where it was towed:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company.
• Call the Elbert County Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency Line: Contact the Elbert County Sheriff's Office for assistance in locating your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When contacting the Sheriff's Office or the potential impound lots, provide your booking number to help them quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather all the necessary documents to ensure a smooth retrieval process.

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, so bring your vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must provide proof of current and valid insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees (see "Costs & Fees in Elbert County" below).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but it requires a few extra steps:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: The easiest solution is to have a licensed driver with you.
• Their Valid License: The person retrieving the vehicle needs to present their valid driver's license.
• Signed Authorization Letter: You must provide a signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle Title or Registration: They also need to bring the vehicle's title or registration as proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Elbert County

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is crucial.

• Daily Storage Fee: Contact Winterberg Oil Co Wrecker Service or Saucedo's Towing LLC to confirm their daily storage rate.
• Towing Fee: This is the initial fee charged for towing your vehicle from the arrest location to the impound lot.

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

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot where your vehicle is located to confirm their accepted payment methods. They may accept:

• Cash
• Credit Card
• Money Order

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to vehicle impoundment.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day you delay retrieving your vehicle adds to the total cost. The Elbert County Jail operates as a small, 32-bed rural facility, so delays are typically minimized.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not let it reach this point. Contact the impound lot immediately to discuss retrieval.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the expense. Contact the specific lot to inquire.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the impound fees. Given the specialized nature of DUI defense, securing legal representation is crucial.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle:

• 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 as evidence.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager in writing before you drive away. This creates a record of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. Does Elbert County have a specific "grace period" before storage fees start accruing?*No, storage fees typically start accruing immediately once your vehicle is impounded. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their policy.

**2. Can I get a temporary release of my vehicle to retrieve personal belongings?*Contact the impound lot and the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about a temporary release. This is often granted, but may require a Sheriff's escort.

**3. What happens if I simply abandon my vehicle at the impound lot in Elbert County?*If you abandon your vehicle, the impound lot will eventually obtain a lien on the vehicle and sell it to recover their costs. This can negatively impact your credit rating and create further legal complications.