Gunnison County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Gunnison County

Being arrested for a DUI in Gunnison County, Colorado, is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you’re likely also wondering what happens to your vehicle. In most DUI arrests, your car will be impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot in Gunnison County. The clock is ticking, as fees accumulate daily, so understanding the process is crucial.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Colorado, especially with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) exceeding the legal limit of 0.08, the arresting officer will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your release.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your DUI case.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability should something happen to the vehicle while it's unattended.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is your first step. It's usually taken to an official impound lot contracted by the Gunnison County Sheriff's Office or local police department.

Official Impound Lots in Gunnison County

Unfortunately, we currently do not have specific impound lot data for Gunnison County. However, you can find this information using the methods below. We are working to update this section with accurate contact details.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle:

• Call Gunnison County Police/Sheriff: This is the quickest way to determine where your vehicle was towed. Call the non-emergency line for the Gunnison County Sheriff's Office.
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your arrest information or case number ready. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car is likely at an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Act fast to minimize storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents. Missing paperwork can cause delays and increase storage fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You or the person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you or the person retrieving the vehicle is the registered owner or has authorization.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance information for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay all associated fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to pick up the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed note will usually suffice.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Gunnison County

Understanding the costs involved is critical. Impound fees can add up quickly, making it essential to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

Typical Fees

These are estimated fee ranges; actual costs may vary. Contact the specific impound lot for exact figures.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $25 - $75
• Release fee: $50 - $100

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm acceptable payment methods. Typically, they accept:

• Cash
• Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Sometimes debit cards

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours to minimize daily storage fees. This can save you a significant amount of money.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose the vehicle and could still be responsible for the outstanding fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The fees associated with impound can be a significant financial burden. Here are some options if you're struggling to afford them:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Asking for assistance from loved ones can help you cover the immediate costs.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not always the case. Inquire about this option.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can 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 financially.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and additional fees.

Special Situations

Certain situations can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney or the Gunnison County District Attorney's office to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police or DA's office before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This is essential to establish their right to the vehicle.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document any damage immediately

• Take photos: Take detailed photographs of any dents, scratches, or other damage you find.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written record of your complaint. This will be important if you need to file a claim for damages.

Gunnison County Impound Lot Locations

[Detailed list with map references if available - This section will be populated as data becomes available. Check back for updates.]

We are actively working to gather the most up-to-date information on Gunnison County impound lots to provide you with the most accurate and helpful guide possible. Please check back frequently for updates. In the meantime, follow the instructions above to locate your vehicle.