Brown County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Brown County

After a DUI arrest in Brown County, Ohio, one of the first things you'll need to address is retrieving your vehicle. Ohio law, under Revised Code Section 4511.195, allows law enforcement to seize vehicles following an OVI arrest, especially if you have prior convictions within the past ten years. This guide provides the essential steps and information you need to navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Brown County. Be aware that Brown County operates a decentralized, rotational towing system. This means your vehicle could be at any one of several private towing companies contracted by the county or state.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike counties with a central impound lot, Brown County uses a rotational system of private towing companies dispatched by the Brown County Sheriff's Office or the Ohio State Highway Patrol. This system is designed to ensure quick response times across the county's 493 square miles. This means you'll need to determine which specific company towed your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided paperwork indicating the name of the towing company that took your vehicle. This is the first place you should look.
• Call the Brown County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork, contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office non-emergency dispatch line to trace the tow record.
• Reference your booking number: Providing your booking number can help them quickly locate the relevant information.

If your vehicle was seized as evidence or is subject to mandatory immobilization due to repeat OVI offenses, it might be at the Brown County Sheriff's secure evidentiary lot in Georgetown.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather all necessary documents to avoid delays.

Required Documents

• Valid photo ID: A current driver's license or other government-issued photo identification.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring the vehicle's registration or title.
• Signed Police Release Form: You MUST obtain a signed release form from the arresting agency (Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Georgetown Police Department, or Ohio State Highway Patrol). The tow yard will not release your vehicle without it.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you can't retrieve the vehicle yourself.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Arrange for someone with a valid license to pick up the vehicle.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (notarized, if the registered owner cannot be present), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Brown County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly.

Typical towing fees in the region range from $150 to $200 or more. Daily storage fees are estimated to be between $25 and $40 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll pay.

Payment

Cash Only: Many rural towing companies in the Brown County area strictly require cash payment. Call the specific impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Some might accept credit cards or money orders, but be prepared to pay with cash. It is also advised to ask for the exact amount due as many locations have issues with making change.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed.

After 30 Days

In Ohio, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to pay the impound fees:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some lots might offer payment arrangements, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney might be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Check for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take pictures of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage before you leave the premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I can't find my vehicle release paperwork from the arresting agency? A: Contact the arresting agency (Brown County Sheriff's Office, Georgetown Police Department, or Ohio State Highway Patrol) immediately and request a duplicate release form. You will likely need to provide identification and information about your arrest.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I retrieve it from the impound lot? A: Some impound lots allow you to retrieve personal belongings. Contact the specific tow company to inquire about their policy and arrange a time to collect your items. They may require you to provide identification and proof of ownership.

Q: What if the car isn't registered in my name? A: If you're not the registered owner, the registered owner must either retrieve the vehicle or provide a notarized letter authorizing you to do so, along with a copy of their government-issued ID and the vehicle title. The tow yard will strictly enforce ownership verification rules.