Dillon County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Dillon County

A DUI arrest in Dillon County, South Carolina, can be a stressful and disorienting experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering, "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound process in Dillon County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Dillon County, your vehicle is typically impounded for safety and legal reasons. This prevents you from driving under the influence again and preserves the vehicle as potential evidence in your case. Understanding the impound process is crucial to retrieving your vehicle quickly and minimizing costs.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. It's usually towed to an official impound lot or a contracted towing company's storage facility.

Official Impound Lots in Dillon County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Dillon County at this time. However, the following steps will help you locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Dillon County Police/Sheriff: Start by contacting the Dillon County Police Department or the Sheriff's Office. You can find their contact information online or by searching for "Dillon County Police Department phone number" or "Dillon County Sheriff's Office phone number."
• Reference your case number: When you call, be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your car will be towed to a designated impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Call as soon as possible to start the retrieval process and avoid accumulating fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is located, you'll need specific 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. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need the vehicle's current registration to prove ownership.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot directly to determine accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or otherwise invalid, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you: A signed letter authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: To prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Dillon County

Retrieving your vehicle involves several fees that can quickly add up. It's crucial to understand these costs 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. This is where costs can escalate quickly, so act fast!
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the vehicle release. The range is not available at this time but confirm with the lot.
• Release fee: There may be a specific vehicle release fee. The amount is not available at this time but confirm with the lot.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. Contact the impound lot immediately to understand their specific fee structure.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Generally, most accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial to avoiding further complications and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Attempt to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options to consider if you're struggling to afford the impound fees:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider asking family members or friends for a short-term loan to cover the fees.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid accruing further debt. This means you'll lose your car, but it can prevent you from owing a significant amount of money.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the fees you owe.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer by the police. You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer or the court before you can retrieve it. Contact your attorney for assistance.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document any damage immediately

Note any scratches, dents, or other damage you find.

Take photos

Take clear photos of the damage as evidence.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and obtain a written record of your report. This documentation may be necessary for filing a claim for compensation.

Dillon County Impound Lot Locations

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. DUI laws and impound procedures are subject to change. Consult with a qualified attorney in Dillon County, South Carolina, for personalized legal guidance regarding your specific situation.