Bleckley County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Bleckley County

If you've been arrested for DUI in Bleckley County, Georgia, one of your immediate concerns is likely, "What happens to my car?" Unfortunately, it's standard procedure for law enforcement to impound your vehicle after a DUI arrest. This guide provides the essential steps you need to take to locate, retrieve, and protect your vehicle and avoid further financial burden.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after release.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your DUI case, especially if there were open containers or other incriminating items inside.
• Liability: To protect the law enforcement agency and the towing company from liability.

After your arrest, your vehicle will be towed to a designated impound lot. It's crucial to act quickly to retrieve your vehicle to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle was likely towed to Brazil's Wrecker Service And Tires.

Brazil's Wrecker Service And Tires 262 E Ash St, Cochran, GA 31014

The phone number to contact them is (478) 308-0568.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here are a few ways to confirm where your vehicle was towed:

• 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. Look for this information on the documents you received upon release from jail.
• Call the Bleckley County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Bleckley County Sheriff's Office at (478) 934-4545. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and vehicle description. They should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Your booking number is a unique identifier assigned to you during the booking process at the Bleckley County Jail (located at 109 Beech St, Cochran, GA 31014). Having this number handy when contacting the Sheriff's Office or the impound lot can help them locate your vehicle more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and prepare for payment.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) must have a valid driver's license. If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest (see ALR hearing info), you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself unless you have a valid hardship license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title. This document must match the name on your driver's license (or the name of the person authorized to pick up the vehicle).
• Proof of Insurance: You'll need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured. The insurance card or policy documents must be in your name (or the name of the person authorized to pick up the vehicle).
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees in full. Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted methods of payment.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having a licensed friend or family member do so on your behalf. They will need:

• Their Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• A Signed Authorization Letter from You: You'll need to provide a signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. The letter should include your name, their name, your vehicle's description (make, model, year, VIN), and a statement authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle Title or Registration: Proof of your ownership of the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Bleckley County

Retrieving your vehicle will involve paying towing and storage fees. Brazil's Wrecker Service And Tires charges a daily storage fee.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back.

Payment

Contact Brazil's Wrecker Service And Tires at (478) 308-0568 in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept (cash, credit card, debit card, money order, etc.). Be prepared to pay the full amount due before they release your vehicle.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes costs you more money. Call Brazil's Wrecker Service And Tires as soon as possible to determine the exact amount due and make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 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. Do not let it reach this point!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, here are some options to consider:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot if a Payment Plan is Available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you by offering a payment plan. It doesn't hurt to ask if this is an option.
• Consult with Your Attorney: Your DUI attorney might be able to negotiate with the towing company or challenge the fees in some cases.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded. Pay close attention to the exterior, interior, and undercarriage.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear and detailed photos of any damage you find. Include close-up shots and wider shots showing the overall condition of the vehicle.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written record of your report. This documentation will be essential if you need to file a claim for damages.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1How much does it cost per day to store a car at Brazil's Wrecker Service And Tires in Bleckley County? The cost of daily storage is unavailable at this time. Contact Brazil's Wrecker Service And Tires directly at (478) 308-0568 for the current rate.

2Can someone else pick up my car for me if my license is suspended in Bleckley County? Yes, as long as they have a valid license, your vehicle registration or title, proof of insurance, and a signed letter from you authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle.

3What happens if I don't pick up my car from the impound lot in Bleckley County? If you don't retrieve your vehicle within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale and sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid fees.