Phillips County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Phillips County

A DUI arrest in Phillips County, Colorado, involves more than just legal proceedings. It often includes the impoundment of your vehicle. Understanding how to navigate the vehicle retrieval process is crucial to minimize expenses and prevent further complications. This guide provides practical steps to locate, claim, and retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Phillips County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Phillips County, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as evidence if it was involved in an accident or contained evidence related to the DUI.
• Liability: To protect law enforcement and the towing company from liability.

After your arrest, the arresting officer will arrange for a towing company to remove your vehicle from the scene. The vehicle will then be stored at an impound lot, where it will remain until you (or someone authorized by you) claim it and pay all associated fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car was towed is the first step in the retrieval process. In Phillips County, this information isn't always immediately clear, especially given the county's rural setting. The arresting officer should provide you with this information. However, if you were not given this information at the time of your arrest, here's how to locate your vehicle:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The paperwork provided by the arresting officer usually lists the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the most direct way to find your car.
• Call the Phillips County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) at 221 S. Interocean Avenue, Holyoke. Contact the non-emergency line and provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest. They should be able to provide you with the name and location of the impound lot.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number ready when you contact the PCSO can expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: You must pay all towing and storage fees before the vehicle will be released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or revoked 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: You can authorize a licensed friend or family member to retrieve 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.
• Vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Phillips County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand the potential costs involved.

Typical towing fees in Colorado generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these fees can vary depending on the towing company and the specific circumstances of the impoundment.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, including weekends and holidays. The longer you wait to retrieve your vehicle, the more you will have to pay.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm the accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Be prepared to pay the full amount due before the vehicle is released.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total amount you owe. Contact the towing company immediately to determine the exact fees and arrange for retrieval as soon as possible.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. To avoid this, act quickly to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Ask for assistance from someone who can help you pay the fees.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to offer a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. This is not always an option, but it's worth asking.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge the impoundment if there were any procedural errors.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect the 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 this will be important for filing a claim with the towing company.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will help ensure that your claim is taken seriously.

By following these steps, you can navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Phillips County efficiently and minimize potential complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. Can I get my belongings out of my impounded car before I pay the fees in Phillips County?*Generally, yes, but it depends on the impound lot's policy. Contact them directly. They typically allow you to retrieve essential personal items (medication, IDs) but not permanently affixed items (stereo systems). Document everything you remove.

**2. What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Phillips County?*Unfortunately, storage fees continue to accrue. After a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Contact the lot to explore payment options or consult with a legal aid organization.

**3. Will the Phillips County Sheriff notify me when my car is going to be sold at auction?*The impound lot is responsible for notifying the registered owner of the vehicle before it's sold at auction. This is typically done via certified mail to the address on file with the Colorado DMV. Make sure your address is up to date to receive this notification.