Towns County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Towns

Being arrested for DUI in Towns, Georgia can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI arrests, your vehicle will be impounded, meaning it's taken into official custody. This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimize fees and complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Towns, GA, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons:

• Safety: Removing a potentially impaired driver and their vehicle from the road ensures public safety.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence, particularly if there was an accident involved.
• Liability: Impounding the vehicle protects the arresting agency from liability if something were to happen to it while left unattended.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step. The next is knowing how to get it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the crucial first step in the retrieval process. It's usually towed to an official impound lot.

Official Impound Lots in Towns

Unfortunately, specific impound lot data isn't currently available for Towns, GA. This information is being actively researched and will be updated as soon as possible. However, in similar rural areas, the towing is often handled by a few local companies under contract with the county.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Without a directory of impound lots, you'll need to contact the local authorities directly:

• Call Towns Police/Sheriff: Your first call should be to the Towns County Sheriff's Office or the local police department.
• [Phone number will be inserted here once available]
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your DUI case number or citation number readily available. This will help them quickly locate information about your arrest and your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Ask the police where it was taken.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You'll need a valid driver's license to prove you're authorized to operate the vehicle. Important note: If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to retrieve the car.
• Vehicle registration: This proves ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for payment of towing and storage fees. Check with the specific impound lot for 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 pick it up.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their license: Proof of their ability to legally drive.
• Authorization from you: A signed, written statement authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title/registration: To prove ownership and authorization.

Costs & Fees in Towns

Understanding the costs associated with impoundment is crucial. Fees accumulate quickly, so acting fast is essential.

Typical Fees

While specific fees for Towns are not currently available, here are typical ranges you can expect in Georgia:

• Towing fee: $150-300
• Daily storage: $20-50 per day
• Administrative fees: $25-$75
• Release fee: $25-$50

IMPORTANT: These fees are estimates. Contact the impound lot directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing. These fees accumulate daily, so prompt action is critical.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. It is best to contact them directly to confirm what they accept. Common methods include:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Debit Card

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is vital to avoid additional costs and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

The best course of action is to retrieve your car immediately to avoid the accumulation of daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), 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

Facing unexpected impound fees can be financially challenging. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. This allows you to pay the fees in installments.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle 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 add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the total cost.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

• May be held longer by police: If your vehicle is considered evidence in the DUI case (especially if an accident occurred), it may be held longer by the police for investigation.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police or the court before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner of the vehicle has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle 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 during towing or storage.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Towns Impound Lot Locations

[This section will contain a detailed list of impound lot locations in Towns, GA, with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references (if available). This data will be populated as it becomes available.]

While specific impound lot information for Towns is currently unavailable, use the steps outlined above to locate your vehicle. Acting quickly and being prepared with the necessary documents will help you retrieve your car as smoothly as possible and minimize the financial burden. Remember to contact the Towns County Sheriff's Office or the local police department to locate your vehicle initially. Good luck.