Newton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Newton

Being arrested for DUI in Newton, Georgia is stressful enough. Dealing with the impound of your vehicle adds another layer of complexity and expense. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. Time is of the essence to minimize fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest, especially in Newton, GA, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: Your car may be held as evidence, especially if there was an accident.
• Policy: It's standard operating procedure for law enforcement following a DUI arrest.

Don't panic. Getting your car back is possible, and understanding the process is the first step.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle quickly is crucial to avoid accumulating daily storage fees. Most vehicles are towed within 24 hours of your arrest.

Official Impound Lots in Newton

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Newton, GA, at this time. This section will be updated as information becomes available.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Newton Police/Sheriff: Start by contacting the Newton County Police Department or the Newton County Sheriff's Office. You can usually find their contact information on the Newton County government website.
• Reference your case number: Provide them with your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them locate your vehicle's location.
• Expect towing within 24 hours: Assume your car was towed within 24 hours of your arrest and act accordingly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents beforehand will save you time and potential headaches.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. If yours is suspended, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you (or the person authorized to retrieve the vehicle) are 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. Check with the specific lot to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: This person must have a valid driver's license.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed letter or document authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf)
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership)

Costs & Fees in Newton

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for budgeting and planning.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial towing.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary.
• Release fee: This is a fee charged for processing the release of the vehicle.

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

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, we don't have specific payment method information for Newton impound lots at this time. It's best to call the impound lot directly to confirm which payment methods they accept (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

Prioritize getting your car back within the first 24 hours to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the 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. You will lose your car and still potentially owe fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial difficulties after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot to avoid accumulating further debt. However, you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees accumulate rapidly. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can result in further fines and legal complications.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, retrieving it will be more complicated.

• May be held longer by police: The police may need to hold your car for an extended period for investigation purposes.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police department or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release your vehicle. Contact your attorney or the investigating officer for guidance.

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 the vehicle, regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: As stated above, title or registration.

After Retrieval

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

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 clear photos of any damage, both close-up and from a distance.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgment of your report. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim later.

Newton Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of Newton, GA, impound lot locations, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and a map reference (if available). We are actively gathering this information.]

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney in Newton, Georgia, for specific legal guidance regarding your DUI arrest and vehicle impoundment.