Duplin County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Duplin County

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Duplin County, North Carolina, is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One immediate concern is often the impoundment of your vehicle. This guide provides practical steps to locate, retrieve, and understand the costs associated with getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Duplin County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in North Carolina, law enforcement officers typically impound your vehicle for safety and legal reasons. This prevents an impaired driver from continuing to operate the vehicle and ensures the vehicle is held as evidence if needed. The vehicle is towed to a designated impound lot, and storage fees begin to accrue immediately. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing expenses and resolving this situation.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating where your vehicle was towed. Unlike larger cities, Duplin County doesn't have a centralized system for locating impounded vehicles. You will need to actively search for this information. The good news is that the Duplin County judicial system is centralized in Kenansville, which can streamline some aspects of this process.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the fastest way to locate your car.
• Call the Duplin County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, call the Duplin County Sheriff's Office at (910) 296-2150 (Sheriff Main Line). Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest, and they should be able to provide information about where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number readily available when contacting the Sheriff's Office can expedite the process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You or the person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required to ensure the vehicle is released to the rightful owner.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot in advance to determine the exact amount and accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, non-suspended license.
• A signed authorization letter from you: A notarized letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. The letter should include your name, their name, vehicle description (year, make, model, VIN), and a statement authorizing them to act on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: To prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Duplin County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is essential.

Typical towing fees in North Carolina range from $175 to $250. Daily storage fees are estimated at $40–$60 per day. However, these amounts are estimates. Since specific impound lot data is unavailable, it's critical to call the specific lot where your vehicle is stored to confirm their exact fees. The Duplin County Detention Center and Duplin County Sheriff's Office are located at 112 West Hill St, Kenansville, NC 28349.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Many smaller lots in rural areas like Duplin County may only accept cash. Knowing this beforehand will save you time and potential frustration.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more it will cost to retrieve your vehicle.

After 10 Days

Under N.C.G.S. 20-219.11, the owner has the right to a magistrate hearing to contest the validity of the tow. This request must be filed with the magistrate (usually in Kenansville) within 10 days of the tow. If the magistrate finds no probable cause for the tow, the fees may be waived or reimbursed.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding towing and storage fees. Do everything you can to prevent this from happening.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot on your behalf or explore legal options to challenge the fees, especially if there were irregularities in the impound process.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take these steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Obtain a signed copy of the damage report for your records. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim later.

Navigating the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Duplin County can be challenging, but by following these steps and acting promptly, you can minimize expenses and resolve the situation as efficiently as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will the Duplin County Detention Center hold my car before it's towed? The vehicle is typically towed almost immediately after your arrest. It is not held at the Detention Center. The arresting officer will arrange for a tow truck to remove the vehicle from the scene.
2. Can I get a ride to the impound lot from the Duplin County Courthouse after my court appearance? Public transportation is virtually non-existent in Duplin County. You will need to arrange for a ride from a friend, family member, or taxi service (if available) to get to the impound lot.
3. What happens if I can't retrieve my car from the impound lot in Duplin County because my license is suspended? You must have a licensed driver retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. See "If You Don't Have a Valid License" section above.