Swain County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Swain County

Being arrested for a DUI in Swain County, North Carolina is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely also dealing with the immediate problem of your impounded vehicle. This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your car and minimize further costs. dui.guide is here to help you navigate this process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher in North Carolina, your vehicle is often impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent you from driving while impaired and to ensure public safety. Understanding this process is the first step towards getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car quickly is crucial to minimizing storage fees. Here's how to locate it:

Official Impound Lots in Swain County

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot information for Swain County in our database. However, here's how to find out where your car is:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Swain County Police/Sheriff: This is the fastest way to find your vehicle. Contact them immediately.
• Swain County Police/Sheriff Phone:
• Reference your case number: Have your case number or arrest information ready when you call. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed to an impound lot within a day of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents beforehand will save you time and frustration.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You or someone you authorize must have a valid driver's license to drive the vehicle off the lot.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have it for any reason, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having someone else pick it up.

• 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
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed note is usually sufficient.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership or authorization.

Costs & Fees in Swain County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Be aware of the typical fees:

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for towing.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These can vary.
• Release fee: This is a fee charged by the impound lot for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. Act fast!

Payment Methods

[This section will be updated once impound lot data is available. Until then, assume most lots accept cash and major credit cards. Call ahead to confirm.]

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

The best-case scenario is to get your car back within 24 hours of the impound. This will minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, if you don't retrieve your vehicle within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot can sell it at a lien sale to recoup their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the most straightforward solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Ask the impound lot if they offer payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you'll lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to additional fines and legal complications.

Special Situations

Certain situations require special attention:

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the Swain County Police/Sheriff department handling your case to inquire about the release of your vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police department allowing you to retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else, they have the right to retrieve it, regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can pick up the vehicle.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to present the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these 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 photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Swain County Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be updated once impound lot data is available. In the meantime, contact the Swain County Police/Sheriff Department for information.]

We understand that dealing with a DUI arrest and vehicle impound can be overwhelming. We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to navigate this process in Swain County, NC. Remember to act quickly to minimize costs and protect your rights. Good luck!