Abbeville County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Abbeville County

Being arrested for DUI in Abbeville County can be a disorienting experience. Beyond the immediate legal concerns, a significant practical issue arises: your vehicle has likely been impounded. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle. Understanding the process and acting swiftly can minimize costs and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest, the Abbeville County Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency will typically arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at an impound lot. Determining the exact location of your vehicle is the first crucial step.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several avenues exist to locate your impounded car:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name of the towing company and the location where your vehicle was taken. This is the quickest and most reliable method.
• Call the Abbeville County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork, contact the Abbeville County Sheriff's Office at their non-emergency number. They can access records related to your arrest and provide information about the towing company used. You can find contact information for the Sheriff's Office on the Abbeville County website.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your booking number (if you have it) to expedite the search process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gathering the necessary documents is essential for a smooth retrieval process. Impound lots are strict about releasing vehicles only to authorized individuals with proper identification and paperwork.

Required Documents

Typically, you will need the following:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must possess a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required, such as the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, you can authorize someone else to pick it up on your behalf.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle. This letter should include your name, the vehicle's make and model, the vehicle's VIN, and the authorized person's name.
• The vehicle's registration or title in your name.

Costs & Fees in Abbeville County

Towing and storage fees can accumulate rapidly, adding a significant financial burden to the already stressful situation. Understanding the potential costs is crucial for budgeting and planning.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically run between $25 and $50 per day. These are estimates, and the actual fees may vary depending on the specific towing company and the services provided.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, including weekends and holidays. Retrieving your vehicle as quickly as possible is essential to minimize expenses. Weekends can be particularly problematic as many impound lots, such as A-1 Tire of Abbeville LLC, located at 63 Hwy 72 W, Abbeville, SC 29620, are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. This "Weekend Trap" can lead to hundreds of dollars in extra storage fees before you can even access your vehicle on Monday morning.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to inquire about accepted payment methods. Most facilities accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Be sure to confirm their accepted forms of payment before arriving to avoid any delays or complications.

Timeline

Prompt action is critical when dealing with an impounded vehicle. Delaying retrieval can lead to increased fees and potential loss of ownership.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes adds to the total cost. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically around 30 days, the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding towing and storage fees. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to retrieve your vehicle well before this deadline.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial hardship and struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, explore the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Reach out to loved ones for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or installment options to help you manage the expenses. Inquire about this possibility and explore any available arrangements.
• Consult with your attorney: In certain situations, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company to reduce the fees or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any signs of damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photographs of any scratches, dents, or other damage you observe.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before leaving the premises. This will create a record of your observation and strengthen any potential claims for compensation.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Abbeville County and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. What is the typical bond amount for a first-offense DUI in Abbeville County?*The typical bond amount for a first-offense DUI in Abbeville County is $1,000.

**2. Where will my bond hearing be held in Abbeville County?*Your bond hearing will be held at the Abbeville County Magistrate Court, located at 21 Old Calhoun Falls Road, Abbeville, SC 29620. Note that cellular phones are strictly prohibited in the courthouse.

**3. Where do I complete ADSAP in Abbeville County?*You can complete the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP) at Cornerstone, located at 103 Whitehall St, Abbeville, SC 29620. Their phone number is (864) 366-9661.