Walton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Walton

Being arrested for DUI in Walton, Georgia is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? It's common practice for law enforcement to impound vehicles after a DUI arrest, and understanding the process of retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize further expenses and complications. This guide provides practical information on how to get your car back as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Walton, GA, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: Removing the vehicle prevents you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be held as evidence in your case, particularly if an accident occurred.
• Liability: Impounding shifts the responsibility for the vehicle's security to the impound lot.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. The sooner you act, the better to avoid accumulating costly storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

The most important question is: where is my car being held? Typically, vehicles are towed to official impound lots within Walton County.

Official Impound Lots in Walton

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Walton County at this time. This is an area we are actively working on updating. However, you can find out where your car is by following these steps:

How to Find Your Vehicle

The fastest way to locate your impounded vehicle is to contact the authorities involved in your arrest.

• Call Walton Police/Sheriff: You can reach the Walton County Police Department or the Walton County Sheriff's Office. Look up their official numbers online.
• Reference your case number: Having your case number ready will help them quickly locate your vehicle information.
• Vehicles towed within 24 hours: In most cases, your vehicle will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Call as soon as possible to find its location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, you need to gather the necessary documents and funds for retrieval.

Required Documents

You will generally need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you or the person retrieving the vehicle is the registered owner.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: The impound lot will require payment for towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid driver's license, you have a few options:

• 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, and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Walton

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the typical costs is vital.

Typical Fees

While specific rates vary, expect the following types of fees:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This covers the cost of towing your vehicle to the impound lot.)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is charged for each day your vehicle remains at the lot.)
• Administrative fees: $[50-100] (These fees cover paperwork and processing.)
• Release fee: $[25-50] (A fee charged specifically for releasing the vehicle.)

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to get your car back. Act immediately!

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods. Generally, most accept:

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

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Your goal should be to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This will minimize the daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended 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

Financial difficulties can make retrieving your vehicle challenging, but there are options to consider.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt but means you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees accumulate daily, making the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in your DUI case, the police may retain it for a longer period.

• Get release authorization first: You'll need to obtain written authorization from the police department or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release the vehicle. Contact your attorney for assistance.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your situation.

• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration, and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved 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: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Photograph the damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgement of your report. This is crucial if you plan to file a claim for damages.

Walton Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be updated with a detailed list of Walton County impound lot locations, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as soon as the data is available.]

We are working hard to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive information. In the meantime, please contact the Walton County Police Department or the Walton County Sheriff's Office to determine where your vehicle is located.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.