Fairfield County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Fairfield

Being arrested for a DUI in Fairfield, Ohio, is a stressful situation. One of the most immediate concerns is often: "What happened to my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides practical steps to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Fairfield, helping you navigate the process quickly and efficiently.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Operating a Vehicle under the Influence) in Ohio, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your case.
• Liability: To protect the police and the city from liability if something were to happen to the vehicle while unattended.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step. Now, let's focus on getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first crucial step. It's usually taken to an official impound lot contracted by the Fairfield Police Department.

Official Impound Lots in Fairfield

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot details for Fairfield readily available. However, you can easily locate your vehicle by following the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Fairfield Police/Sheriff: Contact the Fairfield Police Department directly. Their non-emergency number is the best point of contact.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and especially your case number if you have it. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your car will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest, so act fast.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash and credit cards. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to retrieve it for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed statement authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. A notarized letter might be required, so check with the impound lot.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership of the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Fairfield

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly, so it's crucial to understand the fees involved.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This can vary based on distance and vehicle type)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where costs escalate quickly!)
• Administrative fees: This covers paperwork and processing. Expect this to be in the range of $[range]
• Release fee: A fee charged for releasing the vehicle. Expect this to be around $[amount]

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

Payment Methods

While we don't have specific payment information for Fairfield impound lots, most accept:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

It is highly recommended to call the impound lot before going to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoid further complications and fees.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of its impoundment. This will minimize 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 accumulated fees. You will lose your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest can put a strain on your finances. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reach out to loved ones for assistance.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire if the impound lot offers a payment plan. This allows you to pay the fees in installments.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose ownership of your 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 consequences and additional fees.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held for a longer period. In this case:

• Get release authorization first: Contact your attorney and the Fairfield Police Department to obtain a release authorization before going to the impound lot.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide their driver's license and the vehicle's title or registration to claim the vehicle.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Fairfield Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, specific impound lot details are unavailable at this time. As a reminder, contact the Fairfield Police Department to find the location of your vehicle.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Fairfield, Ohio, it's crucial to consult with an experienced DUI attorney to protect your rights. Good luck getting your vehicle back!