Mesa County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Mesa County

(dui.guide - Your Guide to DUI in Mesa County, Colorado)

If you've just been arrested for DUI in Mesa County, Colorado, you're likely dealing with a lot of stress and uncertainty. One immediate concern is probably: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides the practical information you need to navigate the vehicle impound process in Mesa County and retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

In Mesa County, as in most of Colorado, a DUI arrest often results in your vehicle being impounded. This is standard procedure and is done to ensure public safety and potentially preserve evidence related to the case. Knowing the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. It's likely located at an official impound lot within Mesa County.

Official Impound Lots in Mesa County

[Important Note: We are currently working to compile a comprehensive database of impound lots in Mesa County. Check back soon for a complete list with addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours.]

In the meantime, here's how to locate your vehicle:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Mesa County Police/Sheriff: The most direct way to find your vehicle is to contact the Mesa County law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Ask the arresting officer where your vehicle was towed. You can also try contacting the Mesa County Sheriff's Department.
• Reference your case number: When you call, be sure to have your case number or arrest information handy. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. The sooner you start looking, the better.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your car, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it.

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 currently registered.
• Proof of insurance: Evidence that the vehicle is insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Check with the specific lot beforehand to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone else with a valid license to do it for you.

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

Costs & Fees in Mesa County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial because fees accumulate quickly. Delaying retrieval will significantly increase the amount you owe.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is the initial cost of towing your vehicle to the impound lot.)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where the costs can really add up. The longer your car stays, the more you'll owe.)
• Administrative fees: $[Range - This will vary depending on the impound lot, but expect to pay some administrative fees for processing your vehicle's release.]
• Release fee: $[Amount - A specific fee charged for releasing the vehicle to you.]

IMPORTANT: The daily storage fees are the biggest driver of cost. Get your car back ASAP to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

[This information is currently unavailable but will be added as impound lot data is collected. Typically, impound lots accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence!

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This minimizes daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your 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.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options to consider if you're struggling to afford the impound fees:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the most straightforward solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Not all lots offer this, but it's worth asking.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign over the title of your vehicle 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 exponentially. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can result in further penalties and legal issues.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

In some cases, your vehicle might be held longer if it's considered evidence in the DUI investigation.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the investigating officer or the Mesa County District Attorney's office to inquire about the release of your vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: You'll likely need written authorization from the police or DA before the impound lot will release the car.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The owner must provide proof of ownership (registration, title) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The impound lot will verify the ownership before releasing the vehicle.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

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

Mesa County Impound Lot Locations

[Detailed list with map references if available - Currently being compiled. Check back soon! We are working to build a comprehensive list of impound lots in Mesa County, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map links.]

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you've been arrested for DUI in Mesa County, Colorado, it's highly recommended that you consult with a qualified DUI attorney as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process effectively.