Calhoun County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Calhoun County

A DUI arrest in Calhoun County, South Carolina, triggers a cascade of immediate concerns, and one of the most pressing is: what happens to your vehicle? Understanding the impound process, required documentation, fees, and timelines is crucial to minimizing expenses and reclaiming your property as quickly as possible. This guide provides practical steps to navigate vehicle retrieval after a DUI arrest in Calhoun County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Calhoun County, the arresting officer typically arranges for your vehicle to be towed and impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent an unlicensed or intoxicated individual from further operating the vehicle. The vehicle will be stored at a designated impound lot until you, or a designated representative, can retrieve it. Be aware that storage fees accrue daily, making prompt action essential.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is the first step. The arresting officer should provide information about the towing company used, but if you don't have it, you can take these steps:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The name and contact information for the towing company used should be listed on the documents provided by the arresting officer.
• Call the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office can provide information on where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: Have your booking number ready when contacting the Sheriff's Office, as this will help them locate your vehicle information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, contact the impound lot to confirm their specific requirements for release. Generally, you’ll need the following:

Required Documents

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

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having a licensed individual do so on your behalf. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid license.
• A signed authorization letter from you: A notarized letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of your ownership of the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Calhoun County

Towing and storage fees can quickly add up, so understanding the cost structure is essential. While specific rates vary by impound lot, you can expect to encounter the following:

Typical towing fees in South Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fee schedule before heading over.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, including weekends and holidays. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the lower the overall cost.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, and many accept credit cards or money orders. Personal checks are typically not accepted.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to vehicle impoundment.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed to the impound lot. Every day that passes increases the total amount you'll owe.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. To prevent this, act quickly to retrieve your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and struggling to pay the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the necessary costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the expense.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the impound lot, take these crucial steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any signs of damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage you find.
• 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 documentation is essential if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Navigating the vehicle impound process after a DUI arrest in Calhoun County can be stressful. By understanding the steps involved, required documentation, fees, and timelines, you can take prompt action to retrieve your vehicle and minimize expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the SCDMV office located in Calhoun County? The SCDMV St. Matthews Branch is located at 415 Chestnut Street, Suite 2, St. Matthews, SC 29135.
2. How long do I have to request an administrative hearing to challenge my license suspension after a DUI arrest in Calhoun County? You have 30 days from the date of the Notice of Suspension to request a hearing with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings (OMVH).
3. Where can I complete ADSAP (Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program) if I am convicted of DUI in Calhoun County? ADSAP services for Calhoun County are administered by the Tri-County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCCADA). The nearest approved facility is The Dawn Center / J T Blanton Treatment Facility, located at 2827 Old Belleville Road, St. Matthews, SC 29135.