Licking County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Licking

A DUI arrest in Licking, Ohio is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you also face the immediate problem of your vehicle being impounded. This guide provides the information you need to understand why your car was impounded and, more importantly, how to get it back quickly and affordably.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Licking County, Ohio, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent you from driving while intoxicated and to protect public safety. The impoundment adds another layer of complication and expense to an already difficult situation. Understanding the process is crucial to minimizing those costs.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is the first step. Time is of the essence because storage fees accrue daily.

Official Impound Lots in Licking

Unfortunately, we don't have a specific list of official impound lots in Licking County at this time. This information will be added as soon as it becomes available.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The quickest way to locate your vehicle is to contact local law enforcement.

• Call Licking Police/Sheriff: You can reach the Licking County Sheriff's Office at (insert Licking County Sheriff's Office phone number here). You can also try contacting the specific police department that made the arrest if it was within a specific municipality.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car will likely be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. It's best to start the search process as soon as possible.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation. Be prepared to provide the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need the current vehicle registration.
• Proof of insurance: Proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle is essential.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific lot.

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 for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: Designate a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Licking

Understanding the costs involved is critical to planning your retrieval strategy.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with the impound, which can range from $[range - research local prices]
• Release fee: Some impound lots charge a release fee to process the paperwork. Expect to pay around $[amount - research local prices].

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

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, we don't have information on specific payment methods accepted by Licking County impound lots. It's best to call the impound lot directly to confirm which payment methods they accept (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoid additional fees and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Retrieving your car within the first 24 hours is highly recommended to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial difficulties after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Explore borrowing money from trusted family members or friends to cover the impound fees.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option directly with the impound lot manager.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt but means you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain situations may require additional steps.

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: The police will notify you when the vehicle is no longer needed as evidence.
• Get release authorization first: Before heading to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police department confirming that the vehicle can be released.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will also need to demonstrate their ownership.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

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

• Document any damage immediately: Make detailed notes and take photographs of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Photos are crucial for documenting the condition of the vehicle upon retrieval.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written record of your report.

Licking Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of impound lot locations in Licking County, Ohio, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as soon as the data becomes available.]

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and not legal advice. DUI laws and impound procedures can change. Contact a qualified attorney in Licking County, Ohio, for advice on your specific situation.