Lee County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lee

Being arrested for DUI in Lee County, Georgia is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges you're facing, you're probably wondering what happens to your car. In many DUI arrests, the vehicle is impounded, meaning it's taken into custody by the authorities. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you understand the process and get your car back as quickly and affordably as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Lee County, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be considered evidence in your case, especially if there was an accident.
• Legal Requirements: Georgia law allows for vehicle impoundment in DUI cases.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. The next step is locating it.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is crucial to minimizing storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Lee

Unfortunately, we don't have a database of official impound lots for Lee County yet. This information is often managed at the county or municipal level.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The fastest way to locate your vehicle is to contact the law enforcement agency that arrested you.

• Call Lee Police/Sheriff: You can usually reach them through the Lee County Sheriff's Office or local police department. Search online for "Lee County Sheriff's Office" or "[Town Name] Police Department" for contact information.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car will generally be towed within 24 hours of your arrest to an impound lot.

Once you've located your vehicle, you need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment of fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license. Given your DUI arrest, your license may be suspended or revoked.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the registered owner).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for payment. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to retrieve it.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they have your permission)
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership or your connection to the vehicle)

Costs & Fees in Lee

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impoundment is critical to minimizing expenses.

Typical Fees

These are estimated fees. Contact the specific impound lot for exact amounts.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (depending on distance and vehicle type)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (this adds up fast)
• Administrative fees: $[25-75] (fees for processing paperwork)
• Release fee: $[50-100] (fee to release the vehicle)

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your car. Act immediately!

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Some may accept debit cards or checks (though this is less common).

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the tow. This will minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial hardship is a common concern after a DUI arrest. Here are some options if you're struggling to pay the impound fees:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from loved ones.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire about payment plans with the impound lot manager. Some lots may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This will prevent you from incurring further debt, but 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 further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case (especially if there was an accident), it may be held longer than usual.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney immediately to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police department or the prosecutor's office 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 family member or a leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration).
• They'll need proof of ownership: The impound lot will verify their ownership before releasing the vehicle.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

• Document any damage immediately: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of the damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a claim.

Lee Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, a detailed list of Lee County impound lot locations is not available at this time. Contacting the Lee County Sheriff's Office or the police department of the town where you were arrested is the best way to determine where your vehicle is located.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of vehicle impoundment and retrieval after a DUI arrest in Lee County, Georgia. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and contact the appropriate authorities to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible. Good luck navigating this challenging situation. Remember to consult with a qualified DUI attorney to discuss your legal options.