Camden County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Camden

Being arrested for a DUI in Camden, Georgia is stressful enough. Adding to the problem, your car was likely impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle and minimize the costs involved.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Camden, GA, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The car itself might contain evidence related to the DUI arrest.
• Legal Requirement: State and local laws often mandate impoundment in DUI cases.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. Time is of the essence, as fees accumulate quickly.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding the exact location of your impounded vehicle is crucial. Here's how to locate it:

Official Impound Lots in Camden

Unfortunately, we don't have specific data on impound lots in Camden, GA, yet. However, the following steps will help you locate your car:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Camden Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Camden County Sheriff's Office or the Camden Police Department. They should have a record of where your vehicle was towed.
• Camden County Sheriff's Office (Phone):
• Camden Police Department (Phone):
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number or citation number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's record.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Expect your vehicle to be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, gather the necessary documents to claim it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Valid insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization from you (a simple note stating you authorize them to pick up the vehicle).
• The vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Camden

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to be between $150 and $300.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These can vary, but anticipate a range of $
• Release fee: A one-time release fee of around $ might be charged.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Procrastinating will significantly increase the total cost.

Payment Methods

Timeline

Acting quickly is essential to minimize costs.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment to avoid racking up significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a prolonged period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing high impound fees can be overwhelming, but there are options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some might allow you to pay in installments.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This avoids further debt but means you lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: The longer you wait, the higher the fees become.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain situations can complicate the vehicle retrieval process:

If Your Car Was Evidence

• May be held longer by police: If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it might take longer to retrieve it.
• Get release authorization first: You will need written authorization from the police or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI charge.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that might have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Camden Impound Lot Locations

[Ideally, a detailed list of impound lot locations with addresses, phone numbers, and map references would be included here. This requires further research to obtain accurate local information.]

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