Washington County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Washington County

A DUI arrest in Washington County, North Carolina, is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In most DUI cases, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to getting your car back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation that includes the name of the towing company and the location of the impound lot where your car is being held. If you don't have this information readily available, here's how to find it:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The paperwork provided by the Washington County Sheriff's Office at the time of your arrest should include the name and contact information for the towing company that impounded your vehicle. Look carefully through all the documents you received.
• Call the Washington County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at (252) 793-2422. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest. They should be able to provide you with the towing company's information. The Washington County Sheriff's Office is located at 120 Adams St, Plymouth, NC 27962.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number ready will help them locate your information more quickly. This number should be on your arrest paperwork.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, you need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it. Be sure to call the impound lot before you go to confirm their specific requirements and accepted forms of payment.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, you can authorize someone else to pick it up for you.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Choose a trusted friend or family member with a valid driver's license to retrieve the car on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve your vehicle. The letter should include your name, the vehicle's make and model, the VIN, and the name of the person you are authorizing.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Washington County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the potential costs is important.

Typical towing fees in North Carolina generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these fees can vary depending on the towing company and the specific circumstances of the tow. Because specific impound lot data is unavailable, it is critically important to call the specific lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fee schedule.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize the financial burden.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most lots accept cash, and some accept credit cards or money orders. Do not assume they accept a particular form of payment without verifying it first.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes adds to the total cost. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to determine their hours of operation and plan to retrieve your vehicle without delay.

After 30 Days

In North Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding towing and storage fees. To avoid this, take immediate action to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask a trusted family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you by offering a payment plan. It's worth asking, but be prepared for them to say no.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company or challenge the fees if they are excessive or unreasonable.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find, including close-up shots and overall shots of the affected area.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgment of your report. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Washington County, North Carolina, and minimize potential complications and expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. Can I get my personal belongings out of my car before I retrieve it?*Yes, you generally have the right to retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle even if you can't afford to pay the full towing and storage fees immediately. Contact the impound lot to arrange a time to collect your belongings. They may require you to inventory the items and sign a release.

**2. What if I believe the tow was unlawful?*If you believe your vehicle was improperly towed (e.g., it was legally parked), document the circumstances and consult with a DUI attorney. You may have grounds to challenge the tow and recover associated fees.

**3. Where is the Washington County Detention center located?*The Washington County Detention is located at 120 Adams St # 3, Plymouth, NC 27962.