Screven County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Screven County

After a DUI arrest in Screven County, Georgia, one of your immediate concerns will likely be retrieving your vehicle. Your car is typically impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons, including ensuring public safety and preventing further offenses. This guide provides the information you need to locate your vehicle, gather the necessary documents, understand the associated costs, and navigate the retrieval process as smoothly as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, the Screven County Sheriff's Office or other law enforcement agency will arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at a designated impound lot. This is standard procedure to prevent an impaired driver from continuing to operate the vehicle. The impound ensures the vehicle is safely stored until you, or someone authorized by you, can retrieve it. It's important to act quickly, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle may have been towed to one of several impound lots in Screven County. Here are a few possibilities:

• Towtal Solutions, LLC: 136 Oak View Dr, Sylvania, GA 30467
• Bell Towing & Truck Services: 123 Broadhurst Rd W, Screven, GA 31560

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you are unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are several ways to find out:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the first place you should look.
• Call the Screven County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Screven County Sheriff's Office at (912) 564-2013. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and a description of your vehicle, and they may be able to tell you where it was towed.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you were booked into the Screven County Jail, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff's Office locate information related to your arrest, including the location of your impounded vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays or being turned away.

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 of the vehicle, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot to confirm their accepted methods of payment.

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: You can authorize a licensed friend or family member to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Screven County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand the costs involved.

Unfortunately, the daily storage fee for both Towtal Solutions, LLC and Bell Towing & Truck Services is not available. Contact them directly to confirm their current daily rates.

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

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most impound lots accept cash, but policies on credit cards and money orders can vary. Knowing this ahead of time will prevent any last-minute problems.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total amount you will owe. Therefore, it is crucial to act immediately to retrieve your vehicle and minimize the costs.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period, typically 30 days, the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding towing and storage fees. To avoid this, contact the impound lot as soon as possible and make arrangements to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are 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 you cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you by offering a payment plan. It's worth asking if this is an option.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take these important steps:

• 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 dents, scratches, or other damage you find.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Before you drive away, report any damage to the impound lot manager in writing. Obtain a copy of the written report for your records. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Screven County and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How long does the impound lot have to keep my car in Screven County? Generally, the impound lot can begin the process of selling your vehicle after 30 days if you haven't claimed it. Contact the lot immediately to make arrangements.

2Can I get my personal belongings from the car before retrieving it from Towtal Solutions, LLC? Yes, you typically can. Contact Towtal Solutions, LLC at (912) 661-5037 to arrange a time to retrieve your personal items. You will likely need to show proof of ownership.

3What if I can't afford to get my car out of Bell Towing & Truck Services? Explore options like borrowing money from family/friends, asking Bell Towing & Truck Services at (912) 579-2404 about payment plans, or consulting a DUI attorney.