Moffat County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Moffat County

Being arrested for a DUI in Moffat County, Colorado, is a stressful experience. One of the first things you'll likely be worried about is your vehicle. In most DUI cases, your car will be impounded, meaning it's taken into custody by a towing company and stored at an impound lot. This guide will provide you with the practical information you need to retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimizing fees and complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Colorado, especially with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your arrest.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence, although this is less common.
• Liability: To protect the police and towing companies from liability.
• Administrative Reasons: To ensure you address the legal consequences of your DUI.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in understanding the retrieval process.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle has been towed is crucial. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Official Impound Lots in Moffat County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific data on official impound lots in Moffat County at this time. However, this section will be updated as soon as we have confirmed information. Please check back regularly.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle:

• Call Moffat County Police/Sheriff: This is the quickest way to find out where your car was towed. Call their non-emergency line. Search online for "Moffat County Sheriff's Office non emergency number".
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and, most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them locate the vehicle information.
• Vehicles are usually towed quickly: Most vehicles are towed within 24 hours of your arrest. If you delay, it will become harder to track.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is located, you need to gather the necessary documents and prepare for the costs.

Required Documents

Be prepared to present the following documents at the impound lot:

• Valid driver's license: This is essential. The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or someone authorizing the release).
• Proof of insurance: Valid insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Check with the impound lot regarding accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest (which is common), you'll need someone else with a valid license to pick up the vehicle. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed statement authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title/registration: Proof of ownership or your legal right to possess the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Moffat County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Be prepared for the following:

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release, potentially ranging from $25-$75.
• Release fee: A specific release fee might also apply.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Delaying retrieval will significantly increase the total cost.

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, we don't have specific information about payment methods accepted by impound lots in Moffat County. Contact the impound lot directly to confirm whether they accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, or money orders.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to minimizing costs and preventing further complications.

Within 24 Hours

Retrieving your vehicle within the first 24 hours is highly recommended. This will help you avoid multiple days of storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you fail to retrieve your vehicle within 30 days (or a similar timeframe as dictated by Colorado law), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your vehicle and potentially still owe money.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing significant impound fees can be overwhelming, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the most straightforward solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you might be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This will prevent further debt accumulation but means you lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal problems and fines.

Special Situations

Certain situations might complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, you'll need a release authorization from the investigating officer or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release it. This could significantly delay the process.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner will generally have the right to retrieve it, regardless of your license status. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you have retrieved your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

If you find any damage, document it with photos and detailed notes.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report the damage to the impound lot manager immediately and request a written acknowledgement of your report. This documentation will be important if you need to file a claim for damages.

Moffat County Impound Lot Locations

(Placeholder for detailed list of impound lot locations in Moffat County, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references. This section will be populated as soon as we have confirmed data.)

We hope this guide provides clarity on how to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Moffat County. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and understand your options to minimize costs and complications.