Georgetown County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Georgetown County

Being arrested for DUI in Georgetown County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience, and one immediate concern is often: what happens to my car? Vehicles are routinely impounded following a DUI arrest for several reasons. It ensures public safety by preventing potentially impaired drivers from getting back behind the wheel immediately. It also serves as evidence control, preserving the vehicle in case it's needed for investigation or legal proceedings. Understanding the impound process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize costs and retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a local impound lot. These lots are often contracted by law enforcement agencies to store vehicles. Determining exactly where your car was taken is the first step to getting it back.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle requires immediate action. Start with these steps:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that took your vehicle. This is the fastest and most reliable way to find out where your car is located.
• Call the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate your paperwork, contact the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office. You can explain your situation and provide them with your name, date of birth, and the approximate location where you were arrested. They should be able to provide you with the name and phone number of the towing company.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office, having your booking number ready can expedite the process. This number is assigned to you when you are processed at the Georgetown County Detention Center.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you need to gather the necessary documents to claim it. Impound lots have strict requirements to prevent unauthorized release.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership. This can be either the vehicle's registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, there are options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: You can authorize a licensed driver to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. This letter should include your name, their name, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
• The vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Georgetown County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly. Understanding the potential costs is essential for budgeting and prioritizing vehicle retrieval.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. These fees are set by the individual towing companies and can vary. It is critical to confirm the exact fees with the specific impound lot holding your vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The longer your vehicle remains in the impound lot, the more expensive it will be to retrieve it.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Many lots accept cash, but some may also accept credit cards or money orders. Do not assume they will take a personal check. Confirming payment options beforehand will save you time and potential frustration.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total amount you owe. Begin the retrieval process as soon as possible.

After 30 Days

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

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, explore these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay off the fees over time. This is not a standard practice, but it's worth asking.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot on your behalf or challenge the fees in certain circumstances.

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 scratches, dents, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of your claim and protects your rights should you need to pursue compensation for the damage.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Georgetown County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By understanding the process, gathering the necessary documents, and acting quickly, you can minimize costs and get your car back on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. How long do I have to retrieve my vehicle before it's sold in Georgetown County?*South Carolina law allows impound lots to begin the process of selling unclaimed vehicles after a certain period, often around 30 days. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle immediately to confirm their exact timeline.

**2. Can I get my belongings out of my car before I have the money to pay the impound fees?*You can request to retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle while it is impounded. The impound lot is required to allow this.

**3. What happens if I can't afford to pay the impound fees in Georgetown County?*If you cannot afford the fees, you should explore options such as borrowing money from family or friends, asking the impound lot about payment plans, or consulting with a DUI attorney to discuss potential options for negotiating or challenging the fees.