Lincoln County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lincoln County

A DUI arrest in Lincoln County, Colorado, is a stressful situation. Beyond the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happened to your vehicle. This guide provides immediate, practical information on retrieving your impounded car quickly and efficiently. At dui.guide, we understand the urgency and financial strain this situation creates, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your case.
• Liability: To protect the county and law enforcement from liability if you were to have an accident.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is crucial to minimizing storage fees and beginning the retrieval process. Because Lincoln County has a small population, the impound procedures may be more streamlined than in larger cities.

Official Impound Lots in Lincoln County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data available for Lincoln County at this time. However, you can quickly find out where your vehicle is located by following the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Lincoln County Police/Sheriff: The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency. Call them at [Phone number for Lincoln County Sheriff's Office - NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED AND ADDED].
• Reference your case number: This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's record. If you don't have your case number, provide your name, date of birth, and date of arrest.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: It's crucial to contact them immediately, as your car will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documents to prove ownership and ensure the vehicle is released to the rightful party.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the person retrieving it).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots generally accept cash or credit cards. Inquire about accepted payment methods when you call to confirm the location and fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you can still have someone else retrieve your vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter or notarized statement is recommended).
• Vehicle title or registration (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in Lincoln County

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impound is essential for budgeting and planning.

Typical Fees

Fees vary depending on the towing company and the length of time your vehicle is impounded. Expect to pay the following:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This can vary based on distance and time of day).
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where costs can quickly escalate).
• Administrative fees: $[Range - Needs Research based on local towing companies] (These cover paperwork and processing).
• Release fee: $[Amount - Needs Research] (A one-time fee for releasing the vehicle).

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to retrieve your vehicle. Don't delay!

Payment Methods

[Research and add accepted payment methods for local Lincoln County towing companies. Examples: Cash, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), debit card. Some may accept checks, but this is less common.]

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the towing company immediately to locate and retrieve your vehicle. This minimizes daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This means you'll lose your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle challenging. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. They may allow you to pay the fees in installments.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose ownership of the 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 issues and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may be held longer.

• May be held longer by police: The timeline for release depends on the investigation.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office detective handling your case and obtain written authorization for the vehicle's release before contacting the impound lot.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), they have the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner's driving record is irrelevant.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take the following 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.

Lincoln County Impound Lot Locations

[Ideally, this section would list the impound lot addresses and phone numbers in Lincoln County. Since that data is unavailable, provide guidance:]

Because specific impound lot data isn't currently available, your best course of action is to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office directly at [Phone number for Lincoln County Sheriff's Office - NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED AND ADDED]. They will be able to tell you exactly where your vehicle is located.

We hope this guide has been helpful. Remember, acting quickly and gathering the necessary documents are key to retrieving your vehicle efficiently and minimizing costs after a DUI arrest in Lincoln County. Good luck.