Berkeley County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Berkeley County

Being arrested for DUI in Berkeley County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal worries, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. One of the immediate consequences of a DUI arrest is often the impoundment of your car. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle quickly and efficiently. We understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Berkeley County, your vehicle is usually impounded for several reasons. This is done to:

• Prevent further impaired driving: The police want to ensure you won't drive under the influence again.
• Preserve evidence: Your vehicle might be held as evidence in your DUI case (though this is less common).
• Ensure payment of fees: Impoundment guarantees that towing and storage fees are paid.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is crucial to avoiding escalating fees. Here's how to track it down in Berkeley County.

Official Impound Lots in Berkeley County

Unfortunately, we do not have specific impound lot information for Berkeley County at this time. However, we strongly recommend you contact the Berkeley County Police or Sheriff's Department directly to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Berkeley County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Berkeley County Police Department or the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office immediately. You can find their contact information online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number if you have it. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Vehicles towed quickly: Typically, vehicles are towed within 24 hours of the arrest. Don't delay in starting your search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

You (or someone authorized to act on your behalf) will typically need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of ownership is essential.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing, storage, and other associated fees. Contact the impound lot to determine acceptable methods of payment.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to pick up the car. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed statement authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. This statement should include your name, the vehicle's description (make, model, VIN), and the name of the authorized person.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Berkeley County

The costs associated with impounding can add up quickly, so understanding them is essential.

Typical Fees

While we don't have exact figures for Berkeley County impound lots, you can generally expect the following types of fees:

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary.
• Release fee: A fee charged for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily, so it's crucial to retrieve your car as soon as possible to minimize expenses. Contact the specific impound lot for their exact fee schedule.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to determine their accepted payment methods. They typically accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Sometimes, debit cards.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when dealing with vehicle impoundment.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound to avoid accumulating significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship 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: Inquire with the impound lot about payment plans. Some lots may offer the option to pay the fees in installments.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot: This is a last resort. You avoid accumulating further debt, but you lose ownership of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal trouble and additional fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

In rare cases, your vehicle might be held as evidence in your DUI case. If this is the case:

• The police will likely hold it longer.
• You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer or the prosecutor before you can retrieve it.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else:

• The registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your situation.
• They will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage immediately with photos and detailed notes.
• Report the damage to the impound lot manager as soon as possible.

Berkeley County Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we don't have a specific list of impound lots in Berkeley County at this time. Please contact the Berkeley County Police Department or the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office for assistance in locating your vehicle. We will update this information as soon as it becomes available.

Remember, acting quickly and being prepared with the necessary documents will help you retrieve your vehicle as smoothly and affordably as possible after a DUI arrest in Berkeley County. Good luck.