Union County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Union County

Being arrested for DUI in Union County can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the first things you'll likely be concerned about is your vehicle. North Carolina law allows for vehicles to be impounded following a DUI arrest, adding another layer of complexity to an already difficult situation. This guide provides a practical overview of how to navigate the impound process and retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Union County, your vehicle is typically towed to an impound lot. The exact location depends on the circumstances of your arrest and whether your vehicle was subject to a standard impoundment or a statutory seizure under North Carolina General Statute (N.C.G.S.) § 20-28.3.

One of the local towing companies used by the Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) and Monroe Police Department is:

• Stegall’s Towing: 2714 B Cureton St, Monroe, NC 28112.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here are a few ways to locate your vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The paperwork you received at the time of your arrest should list the name and contact information of the towing company that took your vehicle.
• Call the Union County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, you can call the non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when you call, as this will help them locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle from the impound lot requires specific documentation and payment. Be prepared to present the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf, must have a valid driver's license. Because the primary owner (the defendant) is almost certainly under a civil license revocation, they cannot legally drive the vehicle off the lot.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must prove ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof that the vehicle is insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you, vehicle title or registration

Costs & Fees in Union County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Be prepared for the following fees:

• Tow Fee: Approximately $200.00 (standard base rate for vehicles less than 10,000 lbs).
• Storage Fee: Stegall’s Towing charges a daily storage fee. Storage fees accumulate every 24 hours.
• Administrative Fee: Some impound lots may charge an administrative fee for processing the paperwork.
• After-Hours Gate Fee: If you retrieve your vehicle outside of normal business hours, you may be charged an additional gate fee.

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

Payment

Call Stegall’s Towing in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order). Many lots operate on a Cash-Only or Exact Change basis for releases, particularly after hours.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money.

After 30 Days

Most states allow the lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed. Do not let it reach this point. If the accumulated towing and storage charges reach a certain threshold relative to the vehicle's value, the towing company can petition the court to sell the vehicle prior to the trial.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: See if someone can lend you the money to retrieve your vehicle.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work out a payment plan.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of the damage in writing before you leave the premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. Can I get my belongings out of my car before I retrieve it from the impound lot?*You should be able to retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle. Contact Stegall’s Towing to arrange a time to do so. You will likely need to provide proof of ownership.

**2. What happens if I don't retrieve my vehicle from the impound lot?*If you don't retrieve your vehicle within a certain timeframe, Stegall’s Towing can initiate a lien sale to recover the towing and storage fees.

**3. Can I contest the impound fees if I believe they are too high?*If you believe the impound fees are excessive, you should consult with a DUI attorney to discuss your legal options.