Darlington County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Darlington County

Being arrested for DUI in Darlington County, South Carolina, can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the immediate concerns is often what happens to your vehicle. South Carolina law dictates that your vehicle will likely be impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle in Darlington County. Understanding the process and acting quickly can help minimize expenses and prevent further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, law enforcement arranges for your vehicle to be towed to an impound lot. The arresting officer typically uses a wrecker rotation list to ensure fair distribution of towing services, unless you specifically requested a towing company at the scene. Finding out exactly where your car was towed is the first crucial step.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several avenues can help you pinpoint the location of your impounded vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that took possession of your vehicle. Look carefully through all the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest for this information.
• Call the Darlington County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the tow information on your paperwork, contact the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office. You can find contact information in the county directory. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest, and they should be able to provide the name and contact information for the impound lot where your vehicle is being held.
• Reference your booking number: When contacting the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number readily available will help expedite the search process. This number is assigned to you during the booking procedure at the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents to claim it from the impound lot. Impound lots are very strict about releasing vehicles to the proper owner with the correct paperwork to prevent liability issues.

Required Documents

Generally, you'll need the following:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to pick up the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title. This document verifies that you are the legal owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show current proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. The impound lot will detail the total amount due.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or you don't have a valid license for any reason, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having someone else do it for you. Here's what they'll need:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Designate a trusted individual with a valid driver's license to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, notarized if possible, explicitly granting them permission to claim the vehicle.
• A photocopy of your driver's license.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Darlington County

Impound fees can quickly add up, so it's crucial to understand the potential costs involved.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina for a Class A wrecker (standard passenger vehicles) are capped at $251.00. Daily storage fees have a maximum of $40.00 per day, according to South Carolina Department of Public Safety guidelines. These fees can vary slightly, so it's essential to call the specific impound lot to confirm their rates and accepted payment methods.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most lots accept cash, and many also take credit cards or debit cards. Some may accept money orders, but it's crucial to verify this beforehand to avoid delays. Keep in mind that some smaller, rural lots may prefer exact cash payments.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your impounded vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot adds to the total cost. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to understand their procedures and arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, South Carolina law allows the impound lot to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point. Make every effort to retrieve your vehicle well before the 30-day mark.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Reach out to your support network for financial assistance.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans or installment options, but this is not guaranteed. It's worth asking if such arrangements are possible.
• Consult with your attorney: Discuss the situation with your DUI attorney. In some cases, especially if there are issues with the legality of the impound, fees can be negotiated or challenged.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and retrieved your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photographs of any dents, scratches, 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 you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can be helpful if you need to file a claim later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Darlington County, South Carolina, and minimize potential expenses and complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center hold arrestees before a bond hearing? Typically, a bond hearing occurs within 24 hours of arrest, usually during morning or late afternoon docket sessions.
2. What is the maximum daily storage fee an impound lot can charge in Darlington County? According to SCHP guidelines, the maximum daily storage rate for a standard passenger vehicle is $40.00.
3. Where can I file a Tow Hearing in Darlington County if I believe my vehicle was unlawfully towed? You can file a Tow Hearing at the Darlington County Magistrate Court, located at 115 Camp Road, Darlington, SC 29532.