Forsyth County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Forsyth County

Following a DUI arrest in Forsyth County, Georgia, one of your immediate concerns is likely retrieving your vehicle. Law enforcement impounds vehicles after a DUI arrest to prevent further operation by the impaired driver and to preserve potential evidence. Understanding the process, required documents, and associated costs is crucial to getting your car back as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle's impound location depends on the arresting agency. Here are common impound locations used in Forsyth County:

• K&K Towing & Recovery: 131 Amos Dr, Cumming, GA 30040

• United Towing: 1160 Tidwell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, try these steps:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have noted the name and contact information of the towing company on your release documents.
• Call the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency Line: Although the research data doesn't list a non-emergency number, you may be able to locate it. They can assist in locating your vehicle based on your name and date of arrest.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you call, provide your booking number for faster assistance.

Keep in mind that United Towing is actually located in Alpharetta (Fulton County). Be sure to verify with the arresting officer whether the release form comes from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office or another police department.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documentation to avoid delays and additional trips.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You or the person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the accrued towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: Ask a trusted friend or family member with a valid license to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They Need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Forsyth County

Retrieving your vehicle involves several fees that can quickly add up.

• K&K Towing & Recovery: Daily Fee: $N/A
• United Towing: Daily Fee: $N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more you will owe.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to inquire about their accepted payment methods. Many lots require cash or certified funds.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accumulating as soon as your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches 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 financial assistance to help cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot if a Payment Plan Is Available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. This is not guaranteed, but it's worth inquiring about.
• Consult with a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate the fees with the impound lot or challenge the legality of certain charges.

Vehicle "Hold" Complication

In cases involving high BAC, accidents, or repeat offenses, the vehicle may be seized as potential evidence for forfeiture.

Release Authority: The vehicle cannot be released by the tow company until the "Hold" is lifted in the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) system.

Procedure: The owner must contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Evidence Unit. The detective assigned to the case must explicitly authorize the release.

Timeline: This process can delay retrieval by days, causing storage fees to balloon. It is not uncommon for a "hold" to remain active over a weekend when detectives are unavailable, resulting in 72+ hours of storage fees before the owner can even attempt retrieval.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately Before Leaving the Lot: Before driving away, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take clear 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 will help you file a claim for compensation if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. What happens if I don't have the exact cash amount to pay for the impound fees at the Forsyth County Jail?*The jail intake officers are not bankers. The depositor must have the exact change or close to it.

**2. Can I get my car back immediately after posting bond at the Forsyth County Jail?*No. Due to the "sober release" policy, DUI arrestees are held for a minimum of 8 to 12 hours to ensure sobriety, even after bond is posted.

**3. Will the Forsyth County Jail release my vehicle during shift changes?*Operational efficiency dips during shift changes. Shift changes typically occur at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Attempting to retrieve your vehicle during these windows (roughly 45-60 minutes) results in unavoidable delays.

Sources

• Forsyth County GA Jail: Inmate Info & Visitation
• Forsyth County DUI: Navigating Jail Time and License Suspension
• K&K Towing & Recovery
• United Towing