Garfield County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Garfield County

A DUI arrest in Garfield County can be a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath extends beyond the legal proceedings. One immediate concern is often the impoundment of your vehicle. This guide provides practical information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the associated costs of getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Garfield County. Understanding the process and acting quickly can save you significant money and prevent further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Colorado, law enforcement will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as evidence in your case.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability if the vehicle were left unattended.

After the vehicle is impounded, it will be stored at a designated towing and storage facility until you, or someone authorized by you, retrieves it. It's crucial to act promptly to minimize storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is the first step. In Garfield County, your vehicle may have been towed to one of the following locations:

• Rocky Mountain Auto and Towing: 5405 Co Rd 154 Unit N, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
• Blaine Ward Towing: 111 Mel Rey Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

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 documentation that includes the name and contact information of the towing company.
• Call the Garfield County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Garfield County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Providing your booking number to the Sheriff's Office or the impound lots can help them quickly locate your vehicle's record. You can find information about current inmates on the Garfield County Sheriff Colorado website.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: 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'll need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all 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, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Garfield County

The costs associated with retrieving your impounded vehicle can add up quickly. It's important to understand the fees involved and be prepared to pay them.

The daily storage fees at Rocky Mountain Auto and Towing and Blaine Ward Towing are not publicly available. Contact the impound lots for the most up-to-date figures.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most facilities accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Ensure you have the appropriate form of payment ready when you arrive.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The clock starts ticking the moment your vehicle is towed. Storage fees accrue daily, so delaying retrieval will only increase the financial burden.

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. This typically occurs after 30 days. Do not let it reach this point, as you risk losing your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• 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 or other arrangements to help you manage the expenses.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company or challenge the fees in certain circumstances. Given the dual-track complexity of the 9th Judicial District courts, retaining specialized local counsel is imperative.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take these steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any signs of damage that may have occurred while it was in storage.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any damage you find, as this will be important for filing a claim.
• 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 creates a record of your claim and strengthens your position should you need to pursue further action.

By understanding the process and acting quickly, you can navigate the complexities of vehicle impoundment after a DUI arrest in Garfield County and minimize the financial and logistical burdens.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. Where will my DUI case be handled in Garfield County?*Your DUI case will be handled by the Garfield County Combined Courts (9th Judicial District) which has a court address at 109 8th Street, Suite 104, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. The 9th Judicial District operates a combined court structure, managing both county-level misdemeanor dockets (which encompass the vast majority of first and second-time DUI offenses) and district-level felony dockets (applicable to fourth-time offenders, vehicular assaults, or vehicular homicides).

**2. Does Garfield County have a specialized DUI court program?*Yes, the 9th Judicial District operates a dedicated DUI (hybrid) court program serving Garfield and Pitkin counties. This program utilizes an intensive, drug-court model focusing on high-risk, alcohol-dependent offenders, prioritizing rigorous supervision and treatment over prolonged incarceration.

**3. What is the SPEAR Task Force in Garfield County?*The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has a Special Problem Enforcement and Response (SPEAR) team that addresses community issues, including DUI enforcement.