Jackson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Jackson County

A DUI arrest in Jackson County, Colorado, is a stressful experience. Besides the legal implications, you're also likely facing the immediate problem of your vehicle being impounded. This guide provides practical steps to help you retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. We understand this is a difficult time, and our goal is to give you the information you need to navigate the impound process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Jackson County, your vehicle is typically impounded for two primary reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing an impaired driver from the road prevents further risk to the community.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself may be considered evidence in your DUI case.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is crucial for a speedy retrieval.

Official Impound Lots in Jackson County

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a list of specific impound lots in Jackson County. As a Tier 3 county with a very small population, Jackson County may not have dedicated impound lots. Instead, vehicles may be towed to nearby towing companies contracted with the county.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The best way to locate your vehicle is to contact the authorities involved in your arrest.

• Call Jackson County Police/Sheriff: You can usually reach them through the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Search online for "Jackson County Sheriff's Office phone number" for the most up-to-date contact information.
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy. This will include a case number, which will help the authorities quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car is typically towed within hours of your arrest, so act fast.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents will streamline the retrieval process.

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 the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Valid insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm acceptable payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself.

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

Costs & Fees in Jackson County

The costs associated with impounding your vehicle can add up quickly. It's crucial to understand the potential fees involved.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the tow itself.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary but may be in the range of $25 - $75.
• Release fee: Some impound lots charge a release fee, which could be around $50.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Every day your car remains impounded, the total cost increases. Act quickly to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm which payment methods they accept. Common methods include:

• Cash
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Debit card

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial to avoid further complications and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Retrieving your car within the first 24 hours is highly recommended. This minimizes daily storage fees and prevents the situation from escalating.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically around 30 days, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your vehicle entirely.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing unexpected impound fees can be challenging. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reaching out to your support network can provide immediate financial assistance.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some may be willing to work with you, but this is not guaranteed.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign over the title of your vehicle to the impound lot to cover the outstanding fees. This allows you to avoid further debt but results in the loss of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and negatively impact your credit.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, retrieving it may be delayed.

• May be held longer by police: The vehicle may be held until the investigation is complete.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the investigating officer or the Jackson County District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization before attempting to retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner must present their driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The impound lot will verify their ownership before releasing the vehicle.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

• Document any damage immediately: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage you observe.
• Take photos: Capture photographic evidence of the damage for your records.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report. This will be important if you need to file a claim for damages.

Jackson County Impound Lot Locations

Because Jackson County is a small, Tier 3 county with no dedicated impound lots, the best course of action is to contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for information on where your vehicle was towed. They will be able to provide you with the specific towing company and location. Search online for "Jackson County Sheriff's Office phone number" for the most up-to-date contact information.

We hope this guide provides you with the necessary information to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Jackson County. Remember to act quickly and gather all required documents to minimize costs and complications. Good luck.