Morgan County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Morgan County

Being arrested for DUI in Morgan County can be a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? Vehicles are routinely impounded following a DUI arrest in Colorado for several reasons, primarily to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. This guide provides practical steps to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your vehicle back as quickly as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Morgan County, your vehicle is typically towed and stored at an impound lot. This is standard procedure under CO law § 42-4-1301. The arresting officer will arrange for a tow truck to transport your vehicle to the designated facility. The impound is a secure location where your vehicle will be held until you, or someone authorized by you, can retrieve it. The clock starts ticking the moment it’s towed, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding the exact location of your impounded vehicle is the first crucial step. The arresting officer should provide you with documentation indicating where your car was towed. However, if you don't have this information readily available, here's how you can locate your vehicle:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The tow company's name and contact information should be listed on the paperwork provided by the arresting officer.
• Call the Morgan County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, call the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. They can assist you in locating your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call, as this will help them quickly locate the necessary information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle from the impound lot requires specific documentation and payment. Being prepared will streamline the process and minimize delays.

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. This is a strict requirement, and Wiggins Junction Towing enforces it rigorously.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was confiscated due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need a "proxy driver." This is a critical logistical point.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a friend or family member with a valid driver's license to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need: their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you, vehicle title or registration: They will need their valid driver's license, a government-issued photo ID from you (like a passport or Colorado ID), and the vehicle's registration or title to prove ownership. A notarized letter of authorization from you may also be required.

Costs & Fees in Morgan County

The cost of retrieving your vehicle can be substantial, and understanding the fee structure is essential.

Typical towing fees in Colorado range from $150 to $300, depending on the size of the vehicle and the time of day the tow occurred (night and weekend tows often incur higher fees). Daily storage fees generally range from $25 to $50 per day. Keep in mind that these are estimates, and fees can vary by impound lot. Call the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fee schedule.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, often calculated by the calendar date, not 24-hour periods. A vehicle towed late on Friday and picked up early on Saturday could be billed for two days of storage.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover), money order, or even Venmo. Note that the cardholder must typically be present.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money. This is why "Monday Morning Pre-Emption" is a strategic advantage. If arrested Friday night, don't wait for Monday. Utilize a Power of Attorney or notarized letter to retrieve the vehicle on Saturday and minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do not let it reach this point. Contact the impound lot immediately and make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Reach out to your support network for assistance.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available (some offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans or reduced rates in certain circumstances. It's worth asking.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge excessive fees.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine your 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 in writing about any damage before you leave the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Morgan County efficiently and minimize the financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will it take to get my car back after posting bond in Morgan County? A: Once you've posted bond, contact the impound lot immediately. The release process can take a few hours, so call ahead to ensure they have all the necessary paperwork and are ready to release your vehicle.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of my impounded car before I have all the money to pay the fees? A: Yes, you can request a "personal property retrieval" from Wiggins Junction Towing. Be aware that there may be a gate fee or labor charge associated with this service. Remember to bring a government-issued photo ID to prove ownership.

Q: What happens if I just abandon my car at the impound lot in Morgan County? A: If you abandon your vehicle, the impound lot will eventually initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This can negatively impact your credit rating and may result in further legal complications. It's always best to communicate with the impound lot and explore all available options.