Clarke County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Clarke County

Being arrested for DUI in Clarke County, Georgia, is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, you're likely facing the immediate problem of how to retrieve your impounded vehicle. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to navigate the process, minimize costs, and understand your rights when recovering your car. Time is of the essence due to accruing storage fees, so acting quickly is crucial.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Clarke County, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) or another arresting agency will typically impound your vehicle for several reasons. These include preventing further illegal activity, ensuring public safety, and holding the vehicle as potential evidence. The ACCPD utilizes a rotation system to assign towing companies, ensuring fairness among local vendors. However, if you have a preferred towing company that can respond within 20-30 minutes, the arresting officer may honor that request. After your arrest and booking at the Clarke County Jail, located at 3015 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605, your immediate priority should be locating and retrieving your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should provide this information on your paperwork. If you don't have the paperwork, or the information is unclear, there are a few ways to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The tow company's name and contact information are usually listed on the documents provided by the arresting officer. This is the quickest way to find your car.
• Call the Clarke County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, call the Clarke County Sheriff's Office. They can use your name and date of arrest to locate the impound lot where your vehicle is being held.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number from the Clarke County Jail (706-613-3270) can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, contact the impound lot to confirm their operating hours, accepted payment methods, and specific requirements for release. Impound lots such as Barrett’s and Shuman’s are often closed on Sundays and have limited Saturday hours, frequently closing by 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM. This can create a "Weekend Trap," potentially adding to storage fees.

Required Documents

You'll generally need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license: You'll need a valid driver's license to prove you're authorized to take possession of the vehicle. Since your license is likely seized (DDS-1205 form), bring the temporary permit or another licensed driver.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title. If these are inside the impounded car, the towing company must allow you access to retrieve them without a fee.
• 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.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a licensed friend or family member to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Clarke County

Understanding the fee structure is crucial for budgeting and avoiding surprises. Towing fees in Clarke County are regulated by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) Maximum Rate Tariff and local ordinances. Expect to pay:

• Base Towing Fee: $175.00
• Daily Storage Fee: $25.00 per 24-hour period (or fraction thereof)
• Administrative Fee: $65.00 (lien verification and processing)
• Notification Fee: $26.00 (after 48-72 hours)
• After-Hours Release Fee: $50.00 (if available)

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs.

Payment

Most impound lots require cash or certified funds for payment. Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order).

Timeline

Acting quickly is essential to minimize costs.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day you delay costs more money.

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. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. It's worth inquiring about this option.
• Consult with your attorney: A DUI attorney might be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: 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.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Clarke County, Georgia, efficiently and cost-effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will the Clarke County Jail hold me after posting bond for DUI? The Clarke County Jail has a "sobering up" protocol. Even if bond is posted, you may be held until you are deemed "functionally sober," based on an estimated alcohol elimination rate of 0.015 g/dL per hour.
2. What is the "wrecker rotation" system in Clarke County? The Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) uses a rotation system to assign towing companies for impounded vehicles, ensuring fairness among local vendors. However, if you have a preferred towing company that can respond within 20-30 minutes, the officer must honor that request.
3. Where do I go to reinstate my license after a DUI suspension in Clarke County? You must visit a DDS Customer Service Center (CSC). The Athens CSC is located at 1505 US Highway 29 North, Athens, GA 30601.