Union County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Union, GA

Being arrested for DUI in Union, Georgia, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, dealing with your impounded vehicle can feel overwhelming. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to help you retrieve your car as quickly and affordably as possible. Time is of the essence – daily storage fees add up fast!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as evidence if it was involved in an accident or contained evidence related to the DUI.
• Legal Requirement: Georgia law allows for vehicle impoundment following a DUI arrest.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the priority. Start by determining where it was towed.

Official Impound Lots in Union

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

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Union Police/Sheriff: Contact the Union County Sheriff's Office or the Union Police Department. They should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Union County Sheriff's Office Phone: (Research and insert phone number here if available)
• Union Police Department Phone: (Research and insert phone number here if available)
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy. It will likely contain a case number that will help the authorities locate your vehicle's location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: This is a general guideline. Contacting the authorities directly is the fastest way to confirm.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is crucial for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you own the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Showing current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Union

Understanding the costs involved is essential to avoid surprises.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: $[Range - research local averages]
• Release fee: $[Amount - research local averages]

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

Without specific impound lot data for Union County, it's best to contact the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods. Generally, most lots accept:

• Cash
• Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

Timeline

Understanding the timeline helps you prioritize retrieval.

Within 24 Hours

Retrieving your car within the first 24 hours is highly recommended to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after 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 vehicle and may still owe fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle challenging. Explore these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for financial assistance from loved ones.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some 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 to cover the fees. This avoids accruing further debt, but you permanently lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait – fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to additional legal penalties and further damage your credit.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, you will need a release authorization from the investigating officer or the court before you can retrieve it. Contact your attorney to obtain this authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

After Retrieval

After retrieving your vehicle, take these important 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 and videos of any damage you find.

Take Photos

Clear, well-lit photos are essential for documentation.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim. Keep a copy of the claim for your records.

Union Impound Lot Locations

[Action Required: Research and populate this section with specific impound lot information for Union County, GA. Include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and a link to a map if possible. Prioritize official impound lots used by the Union County Sheriff's Department and the Union Police Department.]

Example (Replace with actual Union County data):

• Union County Impound Services: 123 Main Street, Blairsville, GA 30512. Phone: (706) XXX-XXXX. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM. [Link to Google Maps]

• [Another Impound Lot Name]: , [City, GA Zip Code]. Phone: (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Hours: [Days and Times]. [Link to Google Maps]

This guide provides essential information to help you retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Union County, Georgia. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and understand your rights and responsibilities. Good luck.