Coshocton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Coshocton

Being arrested for a DUI in Coshocton, Ohio is a stressful experience. On top of the legal ramifications, you're also likely dealing with the immediate problem of your vehicle being impounded. This guide provides practical steps on how to retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. The clock is ticking, and storage fees accumulate daily, so acting fast is crucial.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Coshocton County, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing the vehicle prevents further impaired driving.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as evidence in your DUI case.
• Liability: Impoundment protects the authorities from liability if something were to happen to the vehicle while left unattended.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is paramount. It's usually towed to an official impound lot within Coshocton County.

Official Impound Lots in Coshocton

[Note: Since specific impound lot data is unavailable, this section will contain placeholders. Once you have the data, replace the placeholders with the actual information.]

Unfortunately, we currently do not have specific impound lot information for Coshocton County. However, you can find this information quickly by following the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The fastest way to locate your car is to contact the authorities involved in your arrest.

• Call Coshocton Police/Sheriff: Contact the Coshocton Police Department or the Coshocton County Sheriff's Office. You can find their phone numbers online or by searching "Coshocton Police Department phone number" or "Coshocton County Sheriff's Office phone number" on Google.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and, most importantly, your case number or arrest information. This will help them quickly locate where your vehicle was towed.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities to find its location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, gather the necessary documents for retrieval.

Required Documents

Typically, you will need the following:

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the registered owner).
• Proof of insurance: Valid insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

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 to do it.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed statement authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf)
• Vehicle title or registration (proving ownership)

Costs & Fees in Coshocton

Understanding the costs involved is critical. Impound fees can add up quickly.

Typical Fees

[Note: Since specific fee data is unavailable, these are estimates. Replace with actual data when available.]

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is the initial cost of towing the vehicle.)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is charged every day your car is at the impound lot.)
• Administrative fees: $25 - $75 (Fees for processing the release of the vehicle.)
• Release fee: $50 (A one-time fee charged upon releasing the vehicle.)

IMPORTANT: The daily storage fees are what drive up the cost most rapidly. Get your car back as soon as possible to minimize these expenses.

Payment Methods

[Note: This depends on the impound lot. Once you have information, replace with the correct methods.]

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Call the impound lot ahead of time to determine what they accept. Common payment methods include:

• Cash
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
• Sometimes debit cards

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial to avoid further complications and costs.

Within 24 Hours

The best-case scenario is to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment. This minimizes the daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover the unpaid fees. You will lose your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing high impound fees can be overwhelming, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from trusted family members or friends.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some lots may be willing to work with you, but this is not guaranteed.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the title of your vehicle over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, you will need a release authorization from the investigating officer or the court before the impound lot will release the vehicle. Contact your attorney to obtain this authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse), the registered owner can retrieve the vehicle regardless of your DUI situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (registration or title) and a valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document Any Damage Immediately

If you find any damage, document it thoroughly with photographs and written notes.

Take Photos

Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager and file a claim, if necessary.

Coshocton Impound Lot Locations

[Note: Replace this section with a detailed list of Coshocton impound lots, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and a map reference if possible. Use Google Maps Embed API if available.]

Unfortunately, we don't yet have a detailed list of specific impound lot locations in Coshocton County. Please contact the Coshocton Police Department or the Coshocton County Sheriff's Office for this information, as mentioned above. We are working to gather this data and will update this guide as soon as possible.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Coshocton, Ohio, it is crucial to contact a qualified DUI attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.