Camden County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Camden County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating DUI in Camden, GA)*Being arrested for DUI in Camden County, Georgia, brings a whirlwind of concerns, and one immediate worry is often: "What happens to my car?" Law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle after a DUI arrest to prevent further operation of the vehicle while you are impaired and to ensure public safety. This guide provides clear steps on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the associated costs of getting your car back. Acting quickly is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, your vehicle is usually towed from the scene and held at an impound lot. This is standard procedure. The Camden County Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency will arrange for a towing company to remove your vehicle. It's important to understand that you, or the registered owner, are responsible for all towing and storage fees associated with the impound. These fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is essential.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle was towed is the first step in the retrieval process. Here's how to locate your car:

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 for the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest and most direct way to find out where your car is located.
• Call the Camden County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, or if the information is missing, contact the Camden County Sheriff's Office at (912) 510-5100. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and any other relevant details, such as the location where you were arrested. They should be able to provide you with the name and phone number of the towing company.
• Reference your booking number: Your booking number is a unique identifier assigned to you when you were processed at the Camden County Jail. Having this number handy when you call the Sheriff's Office can help them locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, gather the necessary documents to retrieve it. The impound lot will require specific paperwork to verify ownership and authorization.

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'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title. Make sure the name on the registration matches the name on your driver's license (or the license of the person retrieving the vehicle).
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees in full.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you won't be able to retrieve the vehicle yourself. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a trusted friend or family member with a valid driver's license to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. The letter should include your name, their name, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
• The vehicle registration or title.

Costs & Fees in Camden County

Towing and storage fees can be a significant expense. It's essential to understand these costs and be prepared to pay them.

Typical towing fees in Georgia generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees are usually between $25 and $50 per day. Keep in mind that these are just estimates. Fees can vary depending on the towing company and the specific services provided.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue every single day. The longer you wait to retrieve your vehicle, the more expensive it will become.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, but not all accept credit cards or personal checks. Some may accept money orders or cashier's checks. Knowing their accepted payment methods beforehand will save you time and prevent potential delays.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

As mentioned earlier, storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every passing day adds to the overall cost. Contact the towing company as soon as possible after your arrest to determine the exact location of your vehicle and the steps required for retrieval.

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 legally sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point. The lien sale process can be complex and costly, and you risk losing your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, explore these options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Ask for financial assistance from someone you trust.
• 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's worth asking, even if you're not optimistic.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees if they are excessive or unreasonable.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the impound lot, take these important steps:

• 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 clear and detailed photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Inform the impound lot manager of any damage you find and obtain written documentation of your report. This is crucial for filing a claim later if necessary. Once you drive the vehicle off the lot, it becomes much more difficult to prove that the damage occurred while it was in their possession.

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney in Camden County, GA, for advice tailored to your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to keep my car in Camden County? A: In Georgia, impound lots typically have the right to begin a lien sale process after 30 days of unpaid storage fees. Contact the impound lot holding your vehicle immediately to avoid this.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I pay the fees? A: Some impound lots will allow you to retrieve essential personal belongings (like medication or work tools) before paying the full fees, but they are not legally obligated to do so. It's best to call ahead and ask about their policy.

Q: What if the car isn't mine, but a family member's? A: If the car is registered to a family member, they will need to retrieve it. They'll need their valid driver's license, the vehicle registration or title, and proof of insurance. If you want to pick it up on their behalf, you’ll also need a signed authorization letter from the registered owner.