Florence County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Florence County

A DUI arrest is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: "What happens to my car?" In Florence County, South Carolina, vehicles are typically impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides practical information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your car back. Acting quickly is crucial to minimize expenses.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Florence County, your vehicle is usually impounded for safety and evidentiary reasons. This means it's towed and stored at an official impound lot until you (or someone authorized) can retrieve it. Understanding the process and acting swiftly can save you significant money in storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is the first step.

Official Impound Lots in Florence County

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Example (Until Database Populated):

• Florence County Towing & Storage: 123 Main Street, Florence, SC. Phone: (843) 555-1212. Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed:

• Call Florence County Police/Sheriff: You can contact the Florence County Police Department or the Florence County Sheriff's Office to inquire about your vehicle's location. Look up their non-emergency number online; do not call 911.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and case number (if you have it) to help them locate your vehicle information.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is essential for a smooth retrieval process.

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: Proof of ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash and credit cards. Check with the specific lot for accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed statement authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title/registration: Proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Florence County

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impoundment is crucial to avoid surprises. These fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This can vary depending on distance and vehicle type).
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where costs escalate rapidly).
• Administrative fees: $[Range] (e.g., $25 - $50)
• Release fee: $[Amount] (e.g., $50)

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle. Act as quickly as possible.

Payment Methods

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• Most impound lots in Florence County accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). Some may accept debit cards. It's always best to call ahead and confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot may be legally allowed to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This means you'll lose your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle challenging. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some may be willing to work with you, but this is not guaranteed.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the title over to the impound lot. This will absolve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and negatively impact your credit.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than a standard impound.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney and the investigating officer to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll likely need written authorization from the police department before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide their driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The impound lot will verify their ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Florence County Impound Lot Locations

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Example (Until Database Populated):

• Florence County Towing & Storage: 123 Main Street, Florence, SC. Phone: (843) 555-1212. Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

This guide provides a starting point for navigating the vehicle impound process after a DUI arrest in Florence County. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and understand your rights. Consulting with a DUI attorney in Florence County is highly recommended to navigate the legal complexities of your case.