Brunswick County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Brunswick County

Being arrested for DUI in Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal worries, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of your impounded vehicle. This guide provides practical steps to help you retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. We understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Brunswick County, your vehicle is often impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent you from driving under the influence again and to secure the vehicle as potential evidence. Understanding the process of retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimizing costs and complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accrue daily.

Official Impound Lots in Brunswick County

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a database of specific impound lots in Brunswick County. However, you can use the methods below to locate your vehicle. We are working to gather this information and will update this page as soon as possible.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Brunswick County Police/Sheriff: This is the most direct and reliable way to find your vehicle. Contact them at their non-emergency number. You can find the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office contact information online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your case number (if you have it) and your driver's license information. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your vehicle will likely be towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your car, you'll need specific documents to retrieve it.

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 you (or the owner) are the registered owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific lot.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to pick it up.

• Have someone else pick it up: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed letter is often sufficient)
• Vehicle title or registration (photocopies are usually acceptable)

Costs & Fees in Brunswick County

Understanding the fees associated with impounding is critical, as they can add up quickly.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to be in the range of $150-$300.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can range from $20-$50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release of the vehicle.
• Release fee: A final release fee may also be charged.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. Act immediately to minimize costs.

Payment Methods

[This information will be updated as impound lot data becomes available. In the meantime, call the impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods. Expect cash and major credit cards to be accepted.]

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This minimizes daily storage fees and prevents the total cost from escalating rapidly.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Avoid this at all costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

We understand that unexpected expenses like impound fees can be a significant burden. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Not all lots offer this, but it's worth asking.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the title of the vehicle over to the impound lot. This avoids accruing further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: As emphasized before, fees add up incredibly fast. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can result in further penalties and legal complications.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

In some cases, the police may need to hold your car longer if it's considered evidence in your DUI case.

• May be held longer by police: Inquire about the status of your vehicle and when it will be released.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written release authorization from the Brunswick County Police/Sheriff's Department.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your license status.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your car for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• 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.

Brunswick County Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of Brunswick County impound lot locations, including addresses, phone numbers, operating hours, and map references, as soon as we have the data available. Please check back soon.]

We hope this guide helps you navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Brunswick County. Remember to act quickly to minimize costs and legal complications. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always best to consult with a qualified attorney for personalized legal advice regarding your specific situation.