Douglas County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Douglas County

After a DUI arrest in Douglas County, one of the most pressing issues is retrieving your impounded vehicle. When a driver is arrested for DUI, the vehicle is typically towed and stored at an impound lot. This process can be confusing and expensive, so understanding the steps involved is crucial. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the process of getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is to determine where your vehicle was towed. In Douglas County, towing services operate on a rotational list managed by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. This means your vehicle could be at one of several different lots.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several methods can help you locate your car:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided paperwork that includes the name of the towing company that took your vehicle.
• Call the Douglas County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 770-949-5656. Provide your name, date of birth, and vehicle information.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number from the Douglas County Jail can expedite the search.

Do not call individual tow yards randomly. Start with the arresting agency to pinpoint the exact location of your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is located, gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring either the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof of current, valid insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or you don't have a valid license, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone who does have a valid license to do it for you.

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

Costs & Fees in Douglas County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly. In Douglas County, Wheeler's Towing, for example, charges a standard rate of $25 per day for storage. The base emergency tow fee is $150, but this can increase for heavy-duty or complex recoveries. Wheeler's Towing also charges a $75 administrative/processing fee after the vehicle has been on the lot for 24 hours.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fee schedule before you go. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize costs.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Checks are typically not accepted.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost.

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 fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the lot, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's care.
• 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 in writing about any damage before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I find out the exact bail amount for a DUI in Douglas County? A: The Douglas County Jail does not publish a bail schedule. You can find out the bail amount by contacting the jail directly at 770-942-2121 or waiting for a magistrate review.

Q: What happens if the Douglas County Sheriff's Office has placed a "Police Hold" on my vehicle? A: If a "Police Hold" is placed on your vehicle due to aggravating circumstances (such as an accident with injuries), the tow yard cannot release the vehicle without written authorization from the handling detective or the District Attorney's Office.

Q: How quickly can I bond out of the Douglas County Jail after a DUI arrest? A: While the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office accepts bond payments 24 hours a day, the release process can take 2 to 6 hours after the bond is posted due to administrative procedures and jail logistics.