Grand County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Grand County

Being arrested for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Grand County, Colorado, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, you're also likely dealing with the immediate problem of getting your vehicle back. This guide provides practical, step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the vehicle impound process in Grand County and retrieve your car as quickly and affordably as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Grand County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further offenses. Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. The impound is often mandated by law enforcement following an arrest for impaired driving (DUI or DWAI) due to a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at or above Colorado's legal limit of 0.08%.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is the first crucial step.

Official Impound Lots in Grand County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Grand County at this time. However, the following section provides guidance on how to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Grand County Police/Sheriff: The easiest way to find your vehicle is to contact the Grand County Police Department or the Grand County Sheriff's Office. They will have a record of where your car was towed.
• You can find contact information for the Grand County Sheriff's Office through a quick online search.
• Reference your case number: When you call, be sure to have your arrest information handy, especially your case number. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting law enforcement.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You or someone acting on your behalf must have a valid driver's license to claim the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of ownership is essential.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards, but it's always a good idea to confirm accepted payment methods with the specific lot.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the car for you.
• They need: Their valid driver’s license, written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle title/registration proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Grand County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial, as these fees accumulate quickly.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to range from $150 to $300.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can be $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can escalate rapidly.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with the release of the vehicle.
• Release fee: This is a standard fee charged for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to retrieve your car. Act immediately to minimize costs.

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, we don't have specific payment method information for Grand County impound lots. Call the impound lot directly to confirm which payment methods they accept.

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

The absolute best course of action is to retrieve your car within 24 hours of impoundment. This minimizes the daily storage fees and keeps the overall cost down.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

It's understandable that you might be facing financial strain after a DUI arrest. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the fastest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire with the specific lot.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can lead to further legal consequences and fines.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

In some cases, your vehicle may be held as evidence in the DUI investigation.

• May be held longer by police: If this is the case, the police will notify you.
• Get release authorization first: Before attempting to retrieve your vehicle, obtain written authorization from the police department or district attorney's office.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: Even if your license is suspended, the registered owner can claim the vehicle.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Grand County Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we do not have specific addresses or map locations for Grand County impound lots at this time. As mentioned above, your best course of action is to contact the Grand County Sheriff's Office or Grand County Police Department to determine where your vehicle is being held.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Grand County, Colorado, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.