Harris County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Harris

A DUI arrest in Harris, GA, can be a stressful and confusing experience. One immediate concern is often: What happens to my car? This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Harris County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Georgia, your vehicle is often impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving while intoxicated.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself may be considered evidence in your case.
• Liability: To protect the police and county from liability if you were to drive and cause an accident.

Understanding the process of vehicle impound and retrieval is crucial to minimizing further inconvenience and expense.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Official Impound Lots in Harris

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot information for Harris County at this time. However, the following steps will help you locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Harris Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Harris County Police Department or the Sheriff's Office immediately. They will be able to tell you where your car was towed.
• [Phone Number of Harris County Police/Sheriff - INSERT HERE. Find and insert official phone number]
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your case number, if you have it. This will help them locate your vehicle more quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you'll need the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the person authorizing the release).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash and/or credit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific impound lot before heading there.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. You have two options:

• Have someone else pick it up: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle. This letter should include your name, the vehicle's VIN, and a statement authorizing the individual to pick up the vehicle.
• Vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Harris

Retrieving your vehicle involves several fees. These can add up quickly, so prompt action is crucial.

Typical Fees

These are estimated ranges. Confirm the exact fees with the specific impound lot.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $[15-50]
• Release fee: $[25-75]

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Every day you wait increases the total cost.

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot before going to retrieve your car to confirm which payment methods they accept. Common payment methods include:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of the impound to minimize storage fees.

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. This means they can sell your vehicle to recoup their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest is expensive enough; the added impound fees can be overwhelming. Here are some options if you're struggling to afford the fees:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This avoids accruing further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees accumulate rapidly. Procrastination only makes the problem worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer.

• May be held longer by police: You will need to obtain a release authorization from the police department or the prosecutor's office before the impound lot will release your vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the investigating officer or the prosecutor handling your case to request the release authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: Ensure they have the necessary documentation.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these precautions:

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 clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgment of your report.

Harris Impound Lot Locations

[INSERT HARRIS COUNTY IMPOUND LOT LIST HERE WHEN DATA IS AVAILABLE. Include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and Google Maps links if possible.]

We are working to gather a comprehensive list of impound lots in Harris County. In the meantime, contact the Harris County Police Department or Sheriff's Office for the location of your vehicle.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney regarding your specific DUI case.