Charleston County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Charleston County

Getting arrested for a DUI in Charleston County, South Carolina, is a stressful situation. One of the immediate concerns many people have is: "What happens to my car?" This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle and minimize expenses. At dui.guide, we understand this is a challenging time, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Charleston County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. The impound gives authorities time to process the arrest and determine if the vehicle is needed as evidence. Understanding the impound process is crucial to getting your car back quickly and avoiding accumulating fees.

Where Is Your Car?

After your arrest, your car will be towed to an official impound lot. Finding out exactly where it is should be your top priority.

Official Impound Lots in Charleston County

Unfortunately, we do not currently have a database of impound lots for Charleston County. We are working to gather this information. In the meantime, follow the steps below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Charleston County Police/Sheriff: Your best first step is to contact the Charleston County Police Department or the Charleston County Sheriff's Office. They should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.

• Charleston County Police Non-Emergency Line: (Insert Phone Number Here - Research and Add)

• Charleston County Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency Line: (Insert Phone Number Here - Research and Add)

• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your case number, if you have it, to help them quickly locate your vehicle's 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. Don't delay in starting the search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need the vehicle's registration to prove ownership.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to pick it up for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle.
• The vehicle's title or registration (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in Charleston County

The costs associated with retrieving your impounded vehicle can add up quickly. It's crucial to understand these fees to avoid surprises.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, so inquire about the specific amount.
• Release fee: There might be a separate release fee charged by the impound lot.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. Act fast!

Payment Methods

(We need more data on Charleston County impound lots to specify payment methods. Generally, most accept cash, and many accept credit cards. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm acceptable payment methods.)

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to avoid accumulating multiple days of storage fees.

After 30 Days

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

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle challenging, but there are options.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for help from your support network.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot: This is a last resort. You can sign over the title to the impound lot to cover the fees. While you lose your car, you avoid incurring further debt.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Delaying retrieval will only increase the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can result in additional legal and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, you won't be able to retrieve it immediately.

• 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 going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police to release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a family member or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This is crucial for them to claim the vehicle.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a claim if necessary.

Charleston County Impound Lot Locations

(We are working to compile a comprehensive list of impound lot locations in Charleston County, including addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours. Please check back soon for updates. In the meantime, contact the Charleston County Police Department or Sheriff's Office for the location of your vehicle.)

At dui.guide, we are dedicated to providing you with the resources you need to navigate the complexities of a DUI arrest in Charleston County. Stay informed, act quickly, and seek legal counsel to protect your rights.