Cherokee County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Cherokee County

Being arrested for DUI in Cherokee County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, you also face the immediate problem of retrieving your vehicle, which is often impounded at the time of arrest. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to locating, reclaiming, and understanding the associated costs, helping you navigate this challenging situation as efficiently as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a local impound lot. The arresting officer usually arranges the tow. Finding out exactly where your car is located is the first crucial step.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle requires prompt action. Here’s how to find where it was towed:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name of the towing company used. This is the easiest and quickest way to find your car.
• Call the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot find the information on your paperwork, contact the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. Explain that your vehicle was impounded following a DUI arrest and provide them with as much information as possible (your name, date of arrest, location of arrest). They should be able to provide the name and contact information for the towing company.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, having your booking number readily available will expedite the process. This number is assigned when you are processed at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Detention Center.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, gather the necessary documents to claim it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees (more on this below).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed individual can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (stating they have permission to retrieve your vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Cherokee County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs is critical. Since specific impound lot data is unavailable, contacting the lot directly is essential.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees can be around $25 to $50 per day. These are estimates, and the actual fees will vary depending on the towing company and their specific rates.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Some accept cash, credit cards, or money orders. Being prepared with the correct form of payment will streamline the retrieval process.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accumulating the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day you delay increases the total cost. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to arrange retrieval.

After 30 Days

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

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. This is worth exploring.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: An attorney familiar with Cherokee County DUI cases may be able to negotiate fees or challenge their validity in certain circumstances. Due to the specialized nature of DUI law, defendants in Cherokee County frequently rely on specialized DUI practitioners located in the broader Greenville-Spartanburg metropolitan area.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from the impound lot:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the lot manager of any damage in writing and obtain a copy of the report. This documentation will be essential if you need to file a claim for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. How long will the Cherokee County Magistrate Court hold my car before selling it?*The Cherokee County Magistrate Court does not directly handle vehicle impoundment or sales. The impound lot initiates a lien sale after a period of non-payment, typically around 30 days. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle for their exact policy. The Cherokee County Magistrate Court is located at 312 East Frederick Street, Gaffney, SC 29342 and their phone number is 864-487-2533.

**2. Can I get a reduced rate or hardship exemption on impound fees in Cherokee County?*There is no standard reduced rate or hardship exemption for impound fees in Cherokee County. You can try negotiating with the impound lot directly or consulting with a DUI attorney to explore potential options.

**3. What happens if I don't retrieve my car from the impound lot in Cherokee County?*If you fail to retrieve your vehicle, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their fees. You will lose ownership of the vehicle, and it will be sold to someone else.