Wilson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Wilson County

A DUI arrest is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One immediate concern is often: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process specifically in Wilson County, North Carolina. Remember, time is of the essence to minimize fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Wilson County, your vehicle is typically impounded for two primary reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself may be considered evidence related to your DUI charge.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the most crucial step. Don't delay!

Official Impound Lots in Wilson County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data available yet. Check back soon as we are actively gathering this information. In the meantime, use the methods below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Wilson County Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the law enforcement agency that arrested you.
• Wilson County Police/Sheriff Phone Number:
• Reference your case number: If you have been assigned a case number, provide it to the officer for quicker assistance.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: It's likely your car was towed within 24 hours of your arrest. This information will help narrow your search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, you need to gather the necessary documents.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: A valid driver's license is generally required for release. If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you or someone you authorize owns the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Contact the specific lot to confirm their payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone else with a valid license to do so. Here's what they'll need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you: A signed statement authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership (can be a copy).

Costs & Fees in Wilson County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to planning your retrieval strategy.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. These fees accrue rapidly!
• Administrative fees: There may be additional administrative fees, potentially ranging from $25 to $75.
• Release fee: Some lots charge a release fee, typically around $50 - $100.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment Methods

• [Research Needed: Payment methods accepted by Wilson County impound lots (Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, etc.) will be listed here. Call potential lots to gather this info.]

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your car within 24 hours of impoundment. This minimizes daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle and may still be responsible for any outstanding fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial hardship is a common concern after a DUI arrest. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. 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 title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This avoids accruing further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination only makes the situation worse. Fees add up quickly.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can result in additional fines and legal complications.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may be held longer than usual.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the investigating officer to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll likely need written authorization from the police before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly 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 request a written record of your report.

Wilson County Impound Lot Locations

[ACTION REQUIRED: Research and populate this section with actual impound lot data for Wilson County, NC. Include:]

• Name of impound lot
• Address
• Phone number
• Hours of operation
• Map integration (if possible)

This guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing DUI charges in Wilson County, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney to protect your rights.