Montezuma County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Montezuma County

Being arrested for DUI in Montezuma County can be a disorienting and stressful experience. Beyond the legal implications, a very immediate concern is often: what happens to my car? Colorado law dictates that if you are arrested for DUI, your vehicle will be impounded. This guide provides the critical steps to locate, retrieve, and safeguard your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Montezuma County. Understanding the process and acting quickly is essential to minimize fees and potential complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, you are no longer legally permitted to operate your vehicle. To ensure public safety and in accordance with CO law § 42-4-1801, law enforcement will arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at a designated impound lot. This is a non-consensual tow, meaning you don't have a choice in the matter. The vehicle will remain impounded until you (or someone authorized on your behalf) takes the necessary steps to retrieve it.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is the first crucial step. In Montezuma County, your car is most likely at one of the following locations:

• Kustom Diesel Repair & Towing: 12944 US Hwy 491, Cortez, CO 81321. Phone: 970-564-6003 (Alternate: 970-640-2849 / 505-419-7254).
• Top Gun Towing: Operates regionally across the Four Corners area. Verify exact drop lot for Cortez police tows via dispatch. Phone: 505-695-3944.
• Triple-R-Towing: Location: Cortez, CO. Phone: CONFIRMED UNAVAILABLE via primary state directories.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your car was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name and contact information of the towing company.
• Call the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office patrol division to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call, as it will help them locate your vehicle information quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment. Be prepared to present the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all accrued towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Montezuma County

Understanding the costs associated with impoundment is critical because storage fees accrue daily.

• Maximum Base "Hook Fee": $286.15 per hour (plus $3.80/mile and fuel surcharges)
• Daily Storage Rate: Maximum $48.19 per 24-hour period (for vehicles under 10,000 lbs)
• Admin/Processing Fee: $75.00 Statutory Notification fee (if held past initial notification window)
• After-Hours Release Fee: $106.06 (if applicable)

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day at a rate of up to $48.19. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

Payment

Contact the impound lot (Kustom Diesel Repair & Towing: 970-564-6003 or Top Gun Towing: 505-695-3944) in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Kustom Diesel accepts cash, Visa, and Mastercard, but surcharges may apply for credit card usage.

Timeline

Act Immediately

The clock starts ticking the moment your vehicle is towed. Storage fees begin accruing immediately.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Do everything possible to avoid this scenario.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The costs associated with towing and storage can be substantial. If you are struggling to afford the fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: See if someone can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees in some cases. The geographic isolation of Cortez means that hiring a specialized DUI attorney may require retaining counsel from the Front Range (Denver/Colorado Springs).

After Retrieval

Once you have retrieved your vehicle:

• 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 clear photos of any damage you find.
• 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 creates a record of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to request an Express Consent hearing after a DUI arrest in Montezuma County? A: You have exactly 7 calendar days from the date of your arrest (or from the postmark date on the DMV letter for blood tests) to request an Express Consent hearing with the Colorado DMV. Attorneys handling cases out of Cortez emphasize that the 7-day deadline for blood test results is calculated from the postmark date of the DMV letter, not the date you physically open the envelope.

Q: Where will my DUI case be handled in Montezuma County? A: All criminal proceedings related to DUI in Montezuma County, from initial advisement to trial, take place at the Montezuma County Combined Courts (22nd Judicial District) located at 865 N Park St, Cortez, CO 81321.

Q: Does the Montezuma County Jail have an alternative sentencing program that could help me maintain my employment? A: Yes, the Montezuma County Jail manages an alternative sentencing program for inmates who have been granted specific statuses by the Combined Courts. If you maintain local employment, a DUI attorney can help you secure an order for work release from the judge, allowing you to serve mandatory minimum incarceration periods while preserving your livelihood.