Dade County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Dade

Being arrested for DUI in Dade, Georgia (GA) is a stressful experience. On top of everything else, your car was likely impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle and minimize fees. Don't delay – the clock is ticking and storage fees add up quickly!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Dade County, your vehicle is usually impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your DUI case.
• Legal Requirement: Georgia law allows for vehicle impoundment in DUI cases.

Understanding why your car was impounded is less important right now than understanding how to get it back. Let's get started.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle is being held is the first critical step.

Official Impound Lots in Dade

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a database of impound lots specifically for Dade County. However, you can quickly locate your vehicle by following the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Dade Police/Sheriff: The most direct route is to contact the Dade County Police Department or the Sheriff's Office. They will have record of where your vehicle was towed.
• Phone:
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your arrest paperwork handy. Your case number will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: The towing company will typically move your vehicle to their impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is crucial for a smooth retrieval process.

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. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current 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 or revoked, you can't legally drive the car off the lot. Here's what you can do:

• Have someone else pick it up: Designate someone with a valid driver's license to retrieve the vehicle.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they have your permission to pick up the vehicle).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership or authorization).

Costs & Fees in Dade

Understanding the costs involved is essential for planning your retrieval strategy. These fees can add up very quickly, so act fast.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This can vary based on distance and the type of vehicle)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where costs can spiral out of control. Every day counts!)
• Administrative fees: $[Range - e.g., $25 - $75]
• Release fee: $[Amount - e.g., $50]

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more you'll pay. Get your car ASAP!

Payment Methods

[Based on impound lot data (unavailable currently), list accepted payment methods. Example: "Most impound lots accept cash and major credit cards. Call ahead to confirm."]

Timeline

Time is of the essence!

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of impound to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if your vehicle remains unclaimed after approximately 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): This is a last resort. You'll avoid accruing further debt, but you will forfeit ownership of the vehicle. Carefully consider this option.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal penalties and damage your credit.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

• May be held longer by police: If the police are using your car as evidence, it may be held for an extended period.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the Dade County Police Department 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 in someone else's name (e.g., a parent or spouse), they have the right to retrieve it, regardless of your license status.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Check Your Vehicle

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

Dade Impound Lot Locations

[Since we don't have specific Dade County impound lot data, include general information. Example: "Impound lots in Dade County are typically located near major roadways and within the city limits. Contact the Dade County Police Department or Sheriff's Office for the specific location of your vehicle."]

We are actively working to build our database of impound lot locations and contact information for Dade County. Please check back soon for updated information. In the meantime, contact the Dade County Police Department or Sheriff's Office for immediate assistance. Getting your car back is a priority – act now to minimize fees and get your life back on track!