Miller County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Miller

A DUI arrest can turn your life upside down, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In Miller, Georgia, like many places, your vehicle is typically impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides practical steps to help you retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Time is of the essence because impound fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Miller, Georgia, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for a few key reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your release.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence, particularly if an accident was involved.
• Liability: To protect the city and county from liability if something were to happen to you or the vehicle if left unattended.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first priority. Here's how to track it down:

Official Impound Lots in Miller

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a dedicated database of impound lots in Miller. However, this information should be readily available from the sources listed below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Miller Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Miller County Police Department or Sheriff's Office. They were likely responsible for the impound.
• Phone: Search online for "Miller County Police Department" or "Miller County Sheriff's Office" to find their official phone number.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and, most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your car will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you head to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to avoid unnecessary trips.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: Either your valid driver's license or the license of someone who is authorized to drive the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is currently registered.
• Proof of insurance: Documentation showing that the vehicle is insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific impound lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A licensed driver with the proper documentation can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to pick up the vehicle.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Miller

Impound fees can quickly add up, so understanding the costs involved is crucial.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can escalate rapidly.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle. Check with the specific impound lot for details.
• Release fee: A final fee charged for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily. Retrieving your vehicle as soon as possible will save you significant money.

Payment Methods

[Check with the specific impound lot for accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and credit cards, but this can vary.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence!

Within 24 Hours

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

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), the impound lot may have 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

We understand that dealing with a DUI arrest often comes with unexpected financial burdens.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from loved ones to cover the impound fees.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some facilities 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. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees accumulate quickly. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal and financial consequences.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

• May be held longer by police: If your vehicle is being held as evidence in your DUI case (e.g., if an accident occurred), it may be held longer.
• Get release authorization first: You will need written authorization from the police department or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release your vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: If someone else is the registered owner of the vehicle (e.g., a parent or spouse), they have the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

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 detailed photos of any damage.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Miller Impound Lot Locations

This guide provides a starting point for retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Miller, Georgia. Remember to act quickly to minimize fees and protect your rights. Good luck.