Cherokee County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Cherokee County

Being arrested for a DUI in Cherokee County, North Carolina, is stressful enough. Dealing with the impound of your vehicle adds another layer of complexity and expense. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. We understand you're in a tough spot, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically impounded for two primary reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from potentially driving under the influence again immediately after your release.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence in the DUI investigation (although this is less common).

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

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is crucial to beginning the retrieval process.

Official Impound Lots in Cherokee County

Unfortunately, we don't have a list of specific impound lots in Cherokee County at this time. We are working to populate this data. In the meantime, follow the steps below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Cherokee County Police/Sheriff: The fastest way to find your car is to contact the Cherokee County Police Department or the Sheriff's Office. You can typically find their non-emergency phone number online. Search for "Cherokee County NC Police Department Phone Number" or "Cherokee County NC Sheriff's Office Phone Number."
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your DUI case number (if you have it) or your name and date of birth ready. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your vehicle will likely be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Call as soon as possible to avoid accumulating storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Being prepared with the correct documents will streamline the retrieval process.

Required Documents

Generally, you'll need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): This is essential. The person retrieving the vehicle MUST have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Valid insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Call the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to pick up your vehicle. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you: A signed and dated authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle title/registration: Proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Cherokee County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for planning.

Typical Fees

Expect to pay the following types of fees:

• Towing fee: Estimate between $150 and $300, depending on the distance towed and the size of your vehicle.
• Daily storage: Expect to pay $20 to $50 per day for storage.
• Administrative fees: These fees can range from $25-$75.
• Release fee: A one-time fee to release the vehicle, typically around $50.

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

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Call the specific lot where your vehicle is impounded to confirm which payment methods they accept (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound to minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your car challenging.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from loved ones.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Not all lots offer this.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to avoid accumulating debt. However, you will 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 consequences and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may be held longer. You will need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer before you can retrieve it. Contact the Cherokee County Police Department or Sheriff's Office for guidance.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these precautions:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

If you find any damage, document it with photos and a written description.

Take Photos

Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report the damage to the impound lot manager immediately and request a written acknowledgment of your report. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Cherokee County Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with detailed information about specific impound lot locations in Cherokee County, including addresses, phone numbers, and map references, as soon as the data becomes available. Please check back for updates.]

In the meantime, remember to contact the Cherokee County Police Department or Sheriff's Office to find the location of your impounded vehicle.