Lee County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lee County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI Arrest)*## Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Being arrested for DUI in Lee County, Georgia, involves more than just the legal charges against you; it also means dealing with the immediate practicalities, such as getting your car back. After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. Understanding the process of retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize costs and avoid additional complications. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what you need to do to get your car back in Lee County.

Where Is Your Car?

Following your DUI arrest in Lee County, your vehicle was likely towed to the designated impound lot. In Lee County, one known impound lot is:

• GRB Towing & Recovery: 623 Fussell Rd, Leesburg, GA 31763. Phone: (229) 436-1881.

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 Lee County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (229) 759-6012. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and vehicle information, and they should be able to tell you where your car was towed.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you were booked into the Lee County Jail, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your records and provide you with the necessary information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the required documents and payment ready to ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all 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, you have two options:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: A licensed friend or family member 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 Lee County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees, which can add up quickly. According to available data:

• The daily storage fee at GRB Towing & Recovery is not available. Contact them directly at (229) 436-1881 to confirm the exact fee.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call GRB Towing & Recovery at (229) 436-1881 in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most impound lots accept cash, but it's always best to verify whether they also take credit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your car remains at GRB Towing & Recovery costs more money. Contact them immediately to understand the total fees owed and arrange retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. To avoid this, act quickly to retrieve your car.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help cover the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Contact GRB Towing & Recovery to inquire about this possibility.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge the legality of the impoundment.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Before you drive away, report any damage to the lot manager in writing. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does GRB Towing & Recovery hold vehicles before selling them? A: Generally, Georgia law allows impound lots to begin the lien sale process after 30 days of unclaimed storage. Contact GRB Towing & Recovery directly to confirm their specific policies.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of my car before I have the money to pay the full impound fee? A: Many impound lots will allow you to retrieve essential personal belongings from your vehicle, such as medication or documents. Contact GRB Towing & Recovery to arrange a time to do this.

Q: What happens if I abandon my car at the impound lot in Lee County? A: Abandoning your vehicle will not absolve you of the responsibility to pay the accrued fees. The impound lot will eventually sell the car, and if the sale price doesn't cover the full amount owed, they may pursue legal action against you to recover the remaining balance.