Robeson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Robeson County

Being arrested for a DUI in Robeson County, North Carolina, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges you're facing, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of your impounded vehicle. This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your car quickly and efficiently, minimizing fees and further complications. DUI.Guide is here to help you navigate this challenging time.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Robeson County, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons. These include preventing further illegal operation, ensuring public safety, and allowing law enforcement to conduct any necessary investigations. Understanding this is the first step in getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first crucial step. Time is of the essence because impound lots charge daily storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Robeson County

[List impound lots from database with addresses, phones, hours. Example below]

• Example Impound Lot 1: 123 Main Street, Lumberton, NC. Phone: (910) 555-1212. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM.
• Example Impound Lot 2: 456 Oak Avenue, Pembroke, NC. Phone: (910) 555-3434. Hours: 24/7.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here's how to find out:

• Call Robeson County Police/Sheriff: Contact them at (Insert Robeson County Police/Sheriff Phone Number Here).
• Reference your case number: Provide your case number or any identifying information from your arrest.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed within the first 24 hours following your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Preparing the necessary documents is crucial for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle title or registration proving ownership (or a copy).

Costs & Fees in Robeson County

Understanding the costs involved is essential to avoid surprises.

Typical Fees

Keep in mind these are estimates, and actual fees may vary. Contact the specific impound lot for exact figures.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $[25-75]
• Release fee: $[50-100]

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

Payment Methods

[Cash, credit card, etc. - from impound lot data if available. Example below]

• Most impound lots in Robeson County accept cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards. Contact the specific lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Knowing the timeline helps you prioritize getting your car back.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment to minimize daily storage fees. This is the most cost-effective approach.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), 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 financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider asking for assistance from loved ones to cover the impound fees.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire whether the impound lot offers payment plans or installment options. This may help spread out the cost over time.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up incredibly fast. Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal penalties and damage your credit.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in the DUI case, it may be retained by the police for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: The police may need to conduct forensic testing or further investigation.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the Robeson County District Attorney's office or the investigating officer to obtain a release authorization before attempting to retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can claim the vehicle even if your license is suspended.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Robeson County Impound Lot Locations

[Detailed list with map references if available. Example below. If possible, integrate with Google Maps.]

• Example Impound Lot 1: 123 Main Street, Lumberton, NC. [Map Link]
• Example Impound Lot 2: 456 Oak Avenue, Pembroke, NC. [Map Link]

(Remember to replace the bracketed information with actual data from available resources. If no impound lot data is available, state: "Unfortunately, specific impound lot information for Robeson County is currently unavailable. Contact the Robeson County Police/Sheriff at [phone number] to locate your vehicle.")

We hope this guide helps you navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Robeson County. Remember, this is a challenging time, but DUI.Guide is here to provide resources and information to help you through it. Consider consulting with a qualified DUI attorney in Robeson County to discuss your legal options.