Pickaway County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Pickaway

A DUI arrest is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One immediate concern for many people arrested for DUI in Pickaway, Ohio, is getting their vehicle back. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to retrieve your impounded car, minimizing costs and navigating the process smoothly.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Pickaway County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure and serves several purposes:

• Public Safety: Removing a potentially impaired driver and their vehicle from the road.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle may be held as evidence, especially if it was involved in an accident.
• Compliance: Ensures compliance with Ohio's DUI laws and regulations.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the immediate priority. Time is money when it comes to impound fees, so act quickly.

Official Impound Lots in Pickaway

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Pickaway County in our database yet. We are working to gather this information. However, generally, vehicles are towed to local towing companies that contract with the Pickaway County Sheriff's Department or the local police departments within the county.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle:

• Call Pickaway Police/Sheriff: Start by calling the law enforcement agency that arrested you. This is usually the Pickaway County Sheriff's Department or the police department of the city or town where you were arrested.

• Pickaway County Sheriff's Department: (Insert Phone Number when available)

• Circleville Police Department: (Insert Phone Number when available)

• (Add other local police department phone numbers as you find them)

• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.

• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your car will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is crucial for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

Typically, you'll need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license: This is essential. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone with a valid license to pick up the car.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or someone you have permission from).
• Proof of insurance: Documentation showing that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or major credit cards. Confirm acceptable payment methods with the specific impound lot beforehand.

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. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Pickaway

Understanding the costs involved is essential for budgeting and planning. These fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is vital.

Typical Fees

While we don't have specific fee data for Pickaway County impound lots yet, expect to encounter the following types of charges:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This can vary depending on the distance towed and the size of the vehicle.)
• Daily storage fee: $20 - $50 per day (This is where costs can escalate rapidly. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the better.)
• Administrative fees: Expect additional fees for processing the release of your vehicle.
• Release fee: A specific fee charged for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Retrieving your car as soon as possible is crucial to minimizing expenses.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods. Typically, they accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). Some may accept debit cards, but it's best to verify beforehand.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is key to avoiding additional penalties.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of impoundment to minimize daily storage fees. This is the most financially responsible approach.

After 30 Days

In Ohio, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to recoup the unpaid fees.

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: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire about this option.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot: This is a last resort. You can sign the title over to the impound lot to avoid accumulating further debt. However, you will lose ownership of your vehicle.

What NOT to Do

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

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require special attention:

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in the DUI case (especially if there was an accident), retrieving it may take longer. You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer before the impound lot will release the vehicle. Contact your attorney for assistance in obtaining this authorization.

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 the vehicle, regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration).

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take photos and document any damage, no matter how minor it may seem.

Report Damage to the Impound Lot Manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately. Obtain a written acknowledgment of your report. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Pickaway Impound Lot Locations

[Placeholder - To be populated with data as it becomes available]

We are currently gathering data on specific impound lot locations in Pickaway County. Check back soon for a detailed list with addresses, phone numbers, and map references. In the meantime, contact the Pickaway County Sheriff's Department or the local police department where you were arrested for the location of your impounded vehicle.

This guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Pickaway County, Ohio, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced DUI attorney to protect your rights. Good luck!