Kiowa County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Kiowa County

Being arrested for DUI in Kiowa County, Colorado, is a stressful experience, and one of the first things you'll need to deal with is getting your vehicle back. After a DUI arrest, law enforcement typically impounds the vehicle for evidentiary and safety reasons. This guide provides the essential steps and information to help you navigate the process of retrieving your car as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, the arresting officer will arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at an impound lot. This is standard procedure to prevent an impaired driver from continuing to operate the vehicle and to preserve any potential evidence related to the DUI charge. The vehicle will remain impounded until you (or someone authorized on your behalf) take the necessary steps to retrieve it. It’s crucial to act quickly, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is the first step in the retrieval process. Because the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office does not operate a long-term local detention center capable of processing and holding inmates, individuals arrested for a DUI are immediately transported to facilities outside of the county. Similarly, your vehicle will likely be towed to a lot outside of Kiowa County.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. Look for this information on any forms you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office. They can provide you with the name and phone number of the towing company that has your vehicle. The Kiowa County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number is your best resource for this information.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, providing your booking number can help them quickly locate the necessary information about your vehicle's location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays and ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You or the person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required to demonstrate that you have the right to claim the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide current proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot in advance to determine the exact amount due and the accepted methods of payment.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. In this case, you must authorize a licensed driver to pick it up on your behalf.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a trusted friend or family member with a valid driver's license to retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Kiowa County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to understand the potential costs involved. Because Kiowa County outsources its towing services to regional operators, fees are subject to standard Colorado regulations and the specific rates charged by the towing company.

Typical towing fees in Colorado range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these fees can vary. It's essential to contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact rates before you go.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order). Some impound lots may not accept personal checks.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to begin the retrieval process.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Do not let it reach this point. Contact the impound lot immediately and make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Ask for assistance from someone who can help you pay the fees.
• 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 costs. It doesn't hurt to ask.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees if they seem excessive or unjustified.

After Retrieval

Once you have retrieved your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find as evidence.
• 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 will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Kiowa County and minimize the associated costs and complications. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and communicate effectively with the impound lot to ensure a smooth and efficient retrieval.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. Where will my car likely be impounded if I'm arrested for DUI in Kiowa County?*Because Kiowa County doesn't have its own impound lot, your vehicle will likely be towed to a lot in a neighboring county, such as Prowers County. Check your arrest paperwork or contact the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office for the exact location.

**2. How long do I have to retrieve my vehicle before the impound lot can sell it?*In Colorado, impound lots can typically initiate a lien sale after a vehicle has been unclaimed for around 30 days. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact policy.

**3. Can I get my belongings out of my car before I retrieve it?*Yes, you are generally allowed to retrieve personal belongings from your impounded vehicle. Contact the impound lot to schedule a time to do so. You will likely need to provide proof of ownership and identification.