Onslow County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Onslow County

Being arrested for a DUI in Onslow County, North Carolina, is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns many people face is: what happens to my car? Typically, your vehicle will be impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle, understand the costs involved, and navigate the process in Onslow County. Time is of the essence to minimize fees, so act quickly!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

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

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving while impaired again.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself may be considered evidence related to the DUI charge.
• Standard Procedure: Impoundment is a common procedure following a DUI arrest in North Carolina.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. It's likely at an official impound lot or a towing company contracted by law enforcement.

Official Impound Lots in Onslow County

Unfortunately, we don't have a specific database of impound lots in Onslow County just yet. We are working on getting this information. In the meantime, follow the steps below to find your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Onslow County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Onslow County Police Department or Sheriff's Office.
• They should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Their phone number is likely available on the Onslow County government website. Search online for "Onslow County Police Department phone number" or "Onslow County Sheriff's Office phone number."
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest documentation handy. Your case number will help them locate your vehicle's record quickly.
• Vehicles towed quickly: Most vehicles are towed to an impound lot or towing company lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documents and payment. Be prepared to present the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the car) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card: Impound lots typically accept cash or major credit cards.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle. They will need:

• Their own valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed statement authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. A notarized letter might be requested.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership (title or registration).

Costs & Fees in Onslow County

Impound fees can add up quickly. Understanding these costs is crucial.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can escalate rapidly.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle.
• Release fee: A final fee to release the vehicle to you.

IMPORTANT: These fees accrue daily. The longer you wait, the more you'll pay. Act immediately to minimize the financial burden.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Contact the specific lot where your vehicle is located to confirm accepted payment methods. They typically accept cash and credit cards. Some may accept debit cards.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial to avoiding additional fees and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

This is the most critical period. Retrieving your car within the first 24 hours will save you significantly on daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after 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

Facing a DUI is already a financial strain. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Explore borrowing money from trusted sources.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Sign the vehicle over: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination only increases the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may be held longer than usual. You'll need a release authorization from the investigating officer or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release it.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their own valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve 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

Take detailed photos and document any scratches, dents, or other damage.

Report Damage

Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately. File a written claim if necessary.

Onslow County Impound Lot Locations

[We are still gathering data for Onslow County Impound Lot locations. Check back soon for a detailed list with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references.]

In the meantime, call the Onslow County Police Department or Sheriff's Office to determine where your vehicle is being held.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Onslow County, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible.