Haywood County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Haywood County

Being arrested for a DUI in Haywood County, North Carolina, is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with legal repercussions, you're likely also worried about your vehicle. It’s common for vehicles to be impounded after a DUI arrest to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to retrieve your vehicle quickly and efficiently.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Haywood County, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing the vehicle prevents you from potentially driving under the influence again immediately after your release.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as potential evidence related to your DUI case.
• Administrative Procedures: Impoundment allows law enforcement to follow proper procedures for releasing the vehicle to the rightful owner.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step. Now, let’s focus on getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the crucial first step. It’s usually towed to an official impound lot in Haywood County.

Official Impound Lots in Haywood County

[Note: We are currently building our database of Haywood County impound lots. Please check back soon for a comprehensive list with addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.]

In the meantime, you can try the following methods to locate your vehicle:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Haywood County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Haywood County Police Department or the Haywood County Sheriff's Office. They will have records of where your vehicle was towed. You can reach them at .
• Reference Your Case Number: When you call, provide your case number (if you have it) or any other identifying information, such as your name and date of birth. This will help them locate your vehicle's information quickly.
• Most Vehicles Towed Within 24 Hours of Arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Start your search as soon as possible.

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: You (or someone retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration: You’ll need the vehicle's registration to prove ownership.
• Proof of Insurance: Provide proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or Credit Card for Fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Their Valid Driver's License: The person picking up the car must have a valid license.
• Authorization from You: A signed letter or form authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. Contact the impound lot to determine the exact form they require.
• Vehicle Title/Registration: To prove ownership, they'll also need the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Haywood County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial, as fees accumulate quickly.

Typical Fees

• Towing Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing fee.
• Daily Storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative Fees: These fees can vary, so expect a range of $.
• Release Fee: A release fee of $ may also be charged.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily, so retrieving your car as soon as possible is crucial to minimize costs.

Payment Methods

[Note: Payment method information will be added as we build our database of Haywood County impound lots. Check back soon!]

Typically, impound lots accept cash and major credit cards. However, it's best to confirm accepted payment methods with the specific impound lot before you go.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound to avoid accumulating significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within 30 days, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: Ask family or friends for assistance to cover the costs.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option.
• Sign Vehicle Over to Impound Lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This will avoid further debt but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Fees accumulate rapidly, so delaying retrieval will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can lead to further penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your car is being held as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer by the police. Contact your attorney to determine the best course of action. You'll likely need a release authorization from the police before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If someone else is the registered owner of the vehicle, they can retrieve it regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

Document any damage you find with photos and a written description.

Take Photos

Take clear and detailed photos of the damage from various angles.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

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

Haywood County Impound Lot Locations

[Note: We are actively building our database of Haywood County impound lot locations. Please check back soon for a detailed list with addresses and map references.]

Remember, acting quickly and gathering the necessary documentation are key to a smooth and affordable vehicle retrieval process after a DUI arrest in Haywood County. Good luck.