Laurens County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Laurens County

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Laurens County, Georgia, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons: as evidence, for public safety (to prevent further impaired driving), or because the driver is unable to legally operate the vehicle. Understanding the impound process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Laurens County.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle was likely towed to one of the following impound lots in Laurens County:

• SWS Recovery & Transport LLC: 386 Old Valambrosia Rd, Dublin, GA 31021. Phone: (478) 272-0922
• Watson's Towing: 1026 Walke Dairy Rd, Dublin, GA 31021. Phone: (478) 290-0730

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company.
• Call the Laurens County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Laurens County Sheriff's Office at (478) 272-1522. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and vehicle information, and they may be able to tell you where your car was towed. The Laurens County Sheriff's Office is located at 511 Southern Pines Rd, Dublin, GA 31021.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you were booked into the Laurens County Jail, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff's Office locate information about your arrest, including where your vehicle was towed.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents and payment ready.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: 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 on alternative options.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be either the vehicle registration or the vehicle title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all impound and storage fees. Contact the impound lot in advance to determine the exact amount due and accepted forms of payment.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. Here are your options:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve 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.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Laurens County

Impound and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand the costs involved.

• Daily Storage Fee: Contact Watson's Towing and SWS Recovery & Transport LLC for the daily storage fees.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The longer you wait to retrieve your vehicle, the more it will cost.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most impound lots accept cash, but some may also accept credit cards or money orders. Do not assume they will take a personal check.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day you delay retrieving your vehicle will cost you more money. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to determine the fees and arrange for pickup.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed at an impound lot for a certain period (typically 30 days), the lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid impound and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point. Contact the impound lot immediately and make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound and storage fees, here are some options to consider:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan. Contact the lot manager to inquire about this possibility.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the impound fees, especially if there are questions about the legality of the impound.

After Retrieval

Once you have paid the fees and are ready to drive your vehicle off the lot, take these important steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Before leaving the lot, thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage you find.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written record of your report before you drive away. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does SWS Recovery & Transport LLC hold the vehicle before it is considered abandoned? A: Contact SWS Recovery & Transport LLC to inquire about their specific policies regarding abandoned vehicles.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car from Watson's Towing on my behalf? A: Yes, if they have a valid driver's license, your vehicle registration or title, proof of insurance, and a signed authorization letter from you.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Laurens County? A: The impound lot can initiate a lien sale after a certain period (typically 30 days) to recover the unpaid fees. Contact the impound lot and explore all possible options, including payment plans or assistance from family and friends.