Johnson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Johnson, GA

A DUI arrest is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: "What happens to my car?" In Johnson, Georgia, like most places, your vehicle is typically impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide will walk you through the process of retrieving your vehicle, explaining the costs, timeline, and necessary steps to take. dui.guide is here to help you navigate this challenging situation.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Johnson County, your vehicle is impounded for several reasons. Primarily, it's to prevent you from driving under the influence again. It also provides law enforcement with a secure place to hold the vehicle until you, or someone authorized by you, can retrieve it. Understanding this process is the first step towards getting your life back on track.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle is located is crucial. Here's how to track it down:

Official Impound Lots in Johnson

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot information for Johnson County at this time. However, follow the steps below to locate your vehicle quickly. Check back with dui.guide as we update our data regularly.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Johnson Police/Sheriff: Your first step should be to contact the Johnson County Police Department or the Sheriff's Office. Their phone number is likely available via a simple online search for "Johnson County Sheriff's Office phone number" or "Johnson County Police Department phone number."
• Reference your case number: When you call, be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Contact the police or sheriff's office as soon as possible to initiate the retrieval process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You, or someone authorized to pick up the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of vehicle ownership is essential.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for payment. Check with the specific impound lot for their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a signed note stating you authorize them to pick up the vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Johnson

Understanding the costs associated with impoundment is vital. Fees accumulate quickly, so acting fast is crucial.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial towing charge.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: You may encounter administrative fees, which can range from $[range].
• Release fee: There might be a release fee to process the vehicle's release, which could be around $[amount].

IMPORTANT: These fees add up daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. Getting your car back as soon as possible is the best way to minimize costs.

Payment Methods

Since we don't have specific data for Johnson County impound lots yet, it's best to call the impound lot directly to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to vehicle impoundment.

Within 24 Hours

Your goal should be to retrieve your car within 24 hours of its impoundment to avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the 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: Reaching out to loved ones for financial assistance is a viable option.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Contact the impound lot and inquire about payment plans. Some lots may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt but means you will lose ownership of the car.

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 additional legal and financial consequences.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney and the Johnson County Police Department or Sheriff's Office to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can retrieve the vehicle, even if your license is suspended.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They'll need to provide their driver's license and the vehicle's title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during towing or storage.
• Take photos: Take detailed photos of any damage.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report.

Johnson Impound Lot Locations

[Detailed list with map references if available]

Unfortunately, specific impound lot locations for Johnson County, GA, are not currently available in our database. Please contact the Johnson County Police Department or Sheriff's Office to get the exact location of your impounded vehicle. Check back with dui.guide as we continually update our information.

We understand this is a difficult time. dui.guide is committed to providing you with the resources and information you need to navigate the DUI process in Johnson County, Georgia.