Barrow County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Barrow County

(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Barrow, GA)

After a DUI arrest in Barrow County, Georgia, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. This guide provides information on how to locate your impounded vehicle, what documents you'll need, the associated costs, and the steps to take to retrieve it. Acting quickly is essential to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, the arresting officer will typically have your vehicle impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure the vehicle is safely stored and to prevent it from being operated illegally. The vehicle is usually towed to a local impound lot or towing company's storage facility. You will be responsible for all towing and storage fees associated with retrieving your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is to determine where your vehicle was towed. Here's how you can find out:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the easiest and most direct way to locate your car.
• Call the Barrow County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Barrow County Sheriff Department at (770) 307-3080. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest, and they should be able to provide you with the location of your vehicle. You can also try the Barrow County Sheriff's Office at 233 E Broad St, Winder, GA 30680, or the detention center at 652 Barrow Pk Dr, Winder, GA 30680, phone (770) 307-3090.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number from the Barrow County Detention Center will help the Sheriff's office locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is located, contact the impound lot to confirm their specific requirements for release. Generally, you will need the following:

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 the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all towing and storage fees in order to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you do not have a valid driver's license, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you, provided they meet the following requirements:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• They need: their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you, vehicle title or registration: They will also need a signed letter from you authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf, as well as the vehicle's registration or title to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Barrow County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to be aware of the potential costs.

Typical towing fees in Georgia 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 location of the impound lot.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fees before you go to retrieve it.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm the payment methods they accept. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Personal checks are rarely accepted.

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 that passes costs you more money. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding towing and storage fees. To avoid this, retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

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 offer this): Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company to reduce the fees or challenge them if they are unreasonable.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photographs of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint. Get a copy of the complaint for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will the impound lot hold my car in Barrow County? Generally, they will hold it for at least 30 days before starting lien sale proceedings, but contact the specific lot to confirm their policy.
2. Can someone else pick up my car for me in Barrow County if I'm still in jail? Yes, if they have a valid license, your signed authorization, and the vehicle's registration or title.
3. What if I can't find the paperwork from the arresting officer in Barrow County? Call the Barrow County Sheriff Department at (770) 307-3080, providing your name, date of birth, and date of arrest.