Adams County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Adams

Being arrested for a DUI in Adams County, Ohio is stressful enough. On top of that, you're likely facing the immediate problem of getting your car back after it's been impounded. This guide provides practical, step-by-step information to help you navigate the process as quickly and efficiently as possible. We understand this is a difficult time, and this guide aims to provide clarity during a confusing situation.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Ohio, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing the vehicle prevents you from potentially driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be considered evidence in your DUI case, especially if it contains open containers of alcohol or other related items.
• Compliance with Ohio Law: Ohio law allows for vehicle impoundment following a DUI arrest.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in understanding how to get it back. The key is to act quickly to minimize costs and potential complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle is impounded is your first priority.

Official Impound Lots in Adams

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot information for Adams County at this time. However, here's how to find out:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Adams Police/Sheriff: The best and fastest way to find your car is to contact the Adams County Police Department or the Adams County Sheriff's Office.
• We will add the phone number here when that data becomes available. In the meantime, search online for "Adams County Police Department phone number" or "Adams County Sheriff's Office phone number."
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and, most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Impound happens fast: Most vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, gather the necessary documents. Being prepared will save you time and potential headaches.

Required Documents

Generally, you'll need the following:

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: This proves ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Your insurance card or a copy of your insurance policy.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards, but it's wise to confirm their accepted methods of payment beforehand.

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 driver's license can retrieve the car for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed and dated note will usually suffice.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Adams

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impoundment is crucial, as these fees can add up quickly.

Typical Fees

While specific fees vary depending on the impound lot, here's a general idea of what you can expect in Ohio:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This covers the cost of towing your vehicle from the arrest location to the impound lot.)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is a daily fee charged for storing your vehicle at the impound lot.)
• Administrative fees: We will add range when available. (These fees cover the impound lot's administrative costs.)
• Release fee: We will add amount when available. (This is a one-time fee charged for releasing your vehicle.)

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to retrieve your car. Act immediately!

Payment Methods

We will add payment methods (cash, credit card, etc.) when impound lot data becomes available. It's always a good idea to call the impound lot ahead of time to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours of impoundment. This will help you avoid significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Ohio, if a vehicle is not retrieved within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell the vehicle at a lien sale to recover their costs. You definitely want to avoid this scenario.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

We understand that the impound fees can be a significant financial burden, especially after dealing with the costs associated with a DUI arrest.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire with the impound lot directly to see if this is an option.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

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

Special Situations

Certain situations may complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

• May be held longer by police: The police will need to complete their investigation before releasing the vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the Adams County Police Department or the Adams County Prosecutor's Office to obtain a release authorization before going to the impound lot.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle regardless of your situation.

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

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 photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Report any damage to the impound lot manager in writing as soon as possible.

Adams Impound Lot Locations

We will provide a detailed list of Adams County impound lot locations with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as soon as that data becomes available. Check back soon!

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Adams County, Ohio, it is essential to consult with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.