Upson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Upson

Being arrested for a DUI in Upson, Georgia is stressful enough. On top of the legal worries, you're probably wondering, "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound process in Upson County and retrieve your vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Georgia, your vehicle is often impounded for several reasons. Primarily, it's to prevent you from driving while intoxicated. It also allows law enforcement to secure the vehicle as potential evidence, although this is less common. Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. Time is of the essence because impound lots charge daily storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Upson

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a database of specific impound lots within Upson County. However, you can find out where your car is by contacting the following:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Upson Police/Sheriff: This is your first and most important step. Contact the Upson County Police Department or the Upson County Sheriff's Office. Ask them where your vehicle was towed.
• Upson Police/Sheriff Phone:
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number (if you were given one at the time of your arrest). This will help them quickly locate your vehicle information.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your car will be towed to an impound lot relatively quickly, often within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You or someone you authorize needs a valid driver's license to claim the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or major credit cards. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone else to do it for you.

• 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.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to pick up the vehicle.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration, proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Upson

Understanding the costs associated with retrieving your vehicle is crucial. Fees accumulate daily, so acting quickly can save you a significant amount of money.

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.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, potentially falling in the range of $.
• Release fee: A one-time release fee might be charged, possibly around $.

IMPORTANT: These are estimated ranges. Contact the specific impound lot for exact fee amounts. Remember that fees accumulate daily, so delay will significantly increase the total cost.

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm their accepted payment methods. Common options include:

• Cash
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoiding further complications and costs.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the impound. This minimizes daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically after 30 days, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You want to avoid this scenario at all costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle challenging, but several options are available.

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. Some facilities may offer this option, but it's not guaranteed.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the accumulating fees, but you will permanently lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination only increases the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and negatively impact your credit.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: Check with your attorney regarding the timeline for evidence release.
• Get release authorization first: Before contacting the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police or the court authorizing the vehicle's release.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, such as 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 (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: Typically this is 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 new damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written record of your report. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Upson Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with detailed information on Upson County impound lots as the data becomes available. It will include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and links to maps.]

This guide aims to provide you with the necessary information to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Upson County, Georgia. Remember to act quickly, gather the required documents, and contact the relevant authorities for specific information regarding your situation. Good luck, and consult with an attorney regarding your DUI charges.