Twiggs County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Twiggs

Being arrested for DUI in Twiggs, Georgia is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: "What happens to my car?" Typically, your vehicle will be impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides practical information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your car back. Time is of the essence, as fees accumulate quickly.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, law enforcement will typically impound your vehicle to prevent you from driving it while intoxicated. This is standard procedure in Twiggs County and across Georgia to ensure public safety. Your car will be towed to an official impound lot.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step to getting it back. Here's how to locate it:

Official Impound Lots in Twiggs

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Twiggs County at this time. However, here's how to find out where your car is:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Twiggs Police/Sheriff: The fastest way to find your car is to contact the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office. Their phone number is available through the county website or by searching online for "Twiggs County Sheriff's Office phone number."
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy. It will contain a case number that will help the Sheriff's Office locate your vehicle information quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed shortly after your arrest, meaning it should already be at the impound lot.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documents and payment. Be prepared to provide the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you or the person authorized to retrieve it.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash and credit cards. Check with the specific lot to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

Since your license is likely suspended or will be soon, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed note stating that you authorize them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf is usually sufficient.
• Vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Twiggs

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. Fees can add up quickly, so acting promptly is essential.

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 the vehicle. The range for this is typically $25-75.
• Release fee: A final release fee of around $50 may also apply.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm acceptable payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is vital to avoid losing your vehicle permanently.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, you should retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment to minimize 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. Avoid this at all costs!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the impound fees, explore these 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 payment plan options. Some may be willing to work with you, but this is not guaranteed.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This will prevent you from incurring further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse financially.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, you will not be able to retrieve it until they release it. Contact your attorney or the Twiggs County District Attorney's office to inquire about the release process. You will need written authorization from law enforcement before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you have retrieved your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document any damage immediately

Take detailed photos of any damage you find.

Take photos

Photos are crucial for documenting the damage.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written report. This will help you if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Twiggs Impound Lot Locations

[Detailed list with map references if available - This information is unavailable at this time. Contact the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office for specific impound lot information.]

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Twiggs County can be a challenging process. By following these steps and acting quickly, you can minimize the costs and stress involved. Remember to contact the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office for the most up-to-date information on impound lot locations and procedures. Good luck.