Grand County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Grand County

Being arrested for DUI in Grand County can be a disorienting experience. Beyond the legal complexities, one of the first practical challenges you'll face is retrieving your vehicle from impound. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to get your car back, minimizing fees and navigating the process efficiently. The Grand County Sheriff's Office has implemented a "Zero-Tolerance" traffic enforcement strategy, so understanding impound procedures is now more critical than ever.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Colorado, the arresting officer will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent further potential impaired driving. The vehicle will be held at either the Grand County Sheriff's Office impound lot or at a private towing company's storage yard. You, or someone authorized by you, will need to retrieve it. Be aware that under Sheriff Brett Schroetlin's directive, deputies are instructed to utilize custodial arrests and immediate vehicle impoundment for egregious driving behaviors.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle could be at one of several locations, depending on where you were arrested and which agency made the arrest. Here are some potential locations:

• Grand County Sheriff's Office Property & Evidence Impound: 670 Springs Street, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451. Phone: 970-725-3343 (Request Deputy Gish).
• Dad's Towing and Recovery - Granby: 440 County Rd #613, Granby, CO 80446.
• Hilly's Hooker Service: 23500 County Rd 50, Fraser, CO 80442.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Quickly locating your vehicle is crucial to minimize storage fees. Here's how:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating which towing company was used.
• Call the Grand County Sheriff's Office: Contact the non-emergency line at 970-725-3343. Provide your name and any information you have (like the location of the arrest) to help them locate your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: This number can assist in locating your vehicle, especially if you were processed through the Grand County Sheriff's Office detention center.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Be prepared with the necessary documentation to avoid delays and multiple trips.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is essential.
• Proof of Insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Cash or money order only is accepted at the Sheriff's Office.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you have options:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: This is the most common solution.
• They Need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you explicitly granting them permission to retrieve your vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Grand County

Understanding the costs involved is vital to avoid surprises.

• Grand County Sheriff's Office Daily Storage Rate: $20.00/day (vehicles under 6,000 lbs) or $30.00/day (vehicles over 6,000 lbs).
• Towing Fee: $102.28/hour base (Colorado PUC Law Enforcement cap). This fee is for the initial tow from the scene of the arrest.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The Grand County Sheriff's Office Property & Evidence Impound is closed on Fridays and holidays, but fees continue to accrue. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. You will need to make two separate payments: one to the towing company, and one to the Grand County Sheriff’s Office.

Payment

• Call the Impound Lot in Advance: Before heading to the Grand County Sheriff's Office, call 970-725-3343 to confirm they accept cash or money order only. This prevents unnecessary delays. The Sheriff's Property and Evidence section explicitly rejects credit cards, debit cards, and personal checks for impound fees.
• Private Towing Company: Contact the private towing carrier to determine their accepted payment methods. Payment to the private towing carrier is required before you can retrieve the vehicle from the Sheriff's Office.

Timeline

Time is of the essence to avoid escalating costs and potential loss of your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. In Grand County, this is particularly important because of the limited hours of operation at the Sheriff's Office impound.

After 30 Days

Under Colorado law (C.R.S. 42-4-1801), vehicles are deemed abandoned if left unclaimed. Most states allow the lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days). Do not let it reach this point, as you risk losing your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Retrieving your vehicle can be financially challenging, especially after a DUI arrest.

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance to cover the impound and towing fees.
• Ask the Impound Lot if a Payment Plan is Available: While not common, some impound lots may offer a payment plan. It's worth inquiring, but be prepared for a negative answer.
• Consult with a DUI Attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees, particularly if there are issues with the impound process.

After Retrieval

Take these steps before leaving the impound lot.

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Before driving away, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take detailed photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing Before You Drive Away: Notify the impound lot manager in writing about any damage before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can be crucial for any subsequent claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I retrieve personal belongings from my car before paying the impound fees? Yes, under Colorado PUC regulations, towing carriers must release specific "protected" personal property from an impounded vehicle free of charge. This includes prescription medications, medical devices, child car seats, state/federal identification, wallets containing cash or credit cards, and cell phones.
• The Grand County Sheriff's Office is closed on Friday. If I'm arrested Thursday night, when can I get my car? Because the office operates on a Monday-through-Thursday schedule (7:30 AM to 5:30 PM), a defendant arrested on a Thursday night will find their vehicle completely inaccessible until Monday morning. Storage fees continue to compound during this multi-day lockout period.
• What if I believe the tow was illegal? If a defendant wishes to contest the legal validity of the law enforcement tow, they are entitled to an administrative hearing. Contact the Grand County Combined Court (County Court division). Deadlines and fees are unavailable.