Colleton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Colleton County

Being arrested for DUI in Colleton County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience. Besides the legal ramifications, one of the first practical problems you'll face is getting your vehicle back. South Carolina law allows law enforcement to impound a vehicle after a DUI arrest for several reasons: as evidence, for public safety if the driver is incapacitated, or if the vehicle is unregistered or uninsured. This guide provides the steps you need to take to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimizing storage fees and further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. The Colleton County Sheriff's Office uses a rotational system for towing services. Unfortunately, specific impound lot data is unavailable publicly. But here's how to locate your car:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest way to find out where your car is.
• Call the Colleton County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork, contact the Colleton County Sheriff's Office at their non-emergency number. They should be able to tell you which towing company has your vehicle. You can find their number on the Colleton County Sheriff's Office webpage.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, provide your booking number (if you have it) to help them locate your information faster. You can utilize the South Carolina Statewide Automated Victim Information Notification (SAVIN) system or the SCDC Public Index for real-time tracking following an arrest. However, state-level searches primarily display inmates sentenced to state prisons; pre-trial detainees in Colleton County must be verified directly through the local SAVIN portal or by calling the detention center booking line.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, contact the towing company to confirm their specific requirements for vehicle release. Standard documentation generally includes:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You'll need a valid driver's license to prove your identity and right to operate the vehicle. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: This proves ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You must show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees (see details below). The Colleton County Magistrate Court enforces a strict policy regarding the remittance of fines and court costs. The court definitively does not accept personal checks or business checks under any circumstances. Furthermore, telephonic payments are strictly prohibited.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. Here's what to do:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver 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 Colleton County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly. It's crucial to understand the potential costs involved.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees are usually between $25 and $50 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue every day, including weekends and holidays. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll pay.

Fees vary by impound lot. Call the specific lot holding your vehicle in advance to confirm their exact fees and accepted payment methods before you go.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order). As noted, the Colleton County Magistrate Court enforces a strict policy regarding acceptable payment methods.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Contact the towing company as soon as possible after your release from the Colleton County Detention Center to arrange retrieval.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and can't afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help cover 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. It's always worth asking.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company or challenge the fees in some cases. Remember that the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office utilizes data-driven approaches to track conviction rates, meaning defendants are prosecuting against an office highly motivated to maintain strong prosecutorial metrics.

After Retrieval

Before driving away with your vehicle, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Make sure to get a written acknowledgment of your damage report from the lot manager. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Colleton County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I find out the exact amount of the towing and storage fees in Colleton County? Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle. They are required to provide you with a detailed breakdown of all charges.
2. What happens if I can't retrieve my vehicle within 30 days in Colleton County? The impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs, potentially leading to the loss of your vehicle.
3. Where is the Colleton County Detention Center located, in case I need to contact them regarding my arrest? The Colleton County Detention Center is located at 394 Mable T. Willis Blvd, Walterboro, SC 29488.