Hocking County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Hocking

A DUI arrest in Hocking, OH is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. One of the most immediate concerns is often getting your car back. This guide provides a practical roadmap to navigate the impound process and retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Acting fast is crucial to minimize costs and potential complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Hocking, Ohio, your vehicle is typically impounded by law enforcement. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. Impoundment means your car is towed to a designated storage facility, and you'll need to follow specific steps to get it released. Understanding this process is key to resolving the situation without incurring unnecessary expenses.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step. Here's how:

Official Impound Lots in Hocking

Unfortunately, we don't yet have specific impound lot data for Hocking County. However, most vehicles are taken to a contracted towing company or a lot maintained by the local police or sheriff's department.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Hocking Police/Sheriff: This is your best first step. Contact the Hocking County Sheriff's Office or the police department of the city where you were arrested. They can tell you where your car was towed.
• Hocking County Sheriff's Office:
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your case number or arrest information ready. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Vehicles typically towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car will likely be at the impound lot within a day of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can get your car back, you'll need specific documents and funds.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You or the person retrieving the vehicle must have a currently valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Evidence that the vehicle is insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or major credit cards. Check with the specific lot for accepted methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can't retrieve the car yourself.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you permitting them to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Hocking

The costs associated with vehicle impoundment can add up quickly. Understanding these fees is crucial for budgeting and planning.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can escalate rapidly.
• Administrative fees: These fees cover the impound lot's paperwork and processing. Expect to pay around $ for this.
• Release fee: A final fee to release the vehicle, usually around $.

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

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm which payment methods they accept.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoid further complications.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of impoundment, to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after approximately 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This is a worst-case scenario you want to avoid.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI is already financially challenging. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot to see if they offer a payment plan or installment options.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will release you from the accumulating debt but means you will lose possession of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up exponentially. Procrastination will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and damage your credit.

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, it may be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: Be prepared for delays if your vehicle is considered evidence.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police or prosecuting attorney before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, such as a family member, they have the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner's driver's license status is irrelevant to your DUI arrest.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to present the vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your car for any damage that may have occurred during towing or storage.
• Take photos: Photograph any pre-existing damage or new damage you find.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Hocking Impound Lot Locations

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Hocking County, Ohio, it is crucial to consult with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and navigate the legal process. Good luck.