Greenwood County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Greenwood County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating DUI Charges in Greenwood County, SC)*Being arrested for DUI in Greenwood County, South Carolina, involves more than just legal charges. Often, your vehicle is impounded at the time of your arrest. This can add significant stress and expense to an already difficult situation. This guide provides clear, practical steps to help you retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Understanding the process and acting promptly can save you money and prevent further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Greenwood County, the arresting officer typically arranges for your vehicle to be towed and impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent the vehicle from being used unlawfully. The vehicle will be held at a local impound lot until you (or a designated representative) take the necessary steps to retrieve it. It’s important to act quickly, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is to determine where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation indicating the name of the towing company and its location. However, if you don't have that information, or if the paperwork is unclear, here's how to find out:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The name and contact information for the towing company used should be listed on the paperwork you received from the arresting officer. This is the quickest and easiest way to locate your vehicle.
• Call the Greenwood County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the information on your paperwork, contact the Greenwood County Sheriff's Department at (864) 942-8600. Provide them with your name, date of birth, date of arrest, and vehicle description. They should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: When contacting the Sheriff's Department, providing your booking number will help them locate your information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and prepare for the associated costs.

Required Documents

You (or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) will typically need the following documents:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. The exact amount will depend on the towing company's rates and the number of days the vehicle has been stored.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• The vehicle title or registration, proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Greenwood County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to be aware of the potential costs.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these are just estimates.

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

Fees vary by impound lot, so it's crucial to call ahead to confirm the exact rates before you go to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most impound lots accept cash, and many also accept credit cards or money orders. It's always best to confirm their accepted payment methods before arriving to avoid any unexpected issues.

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 cost. Therefore, it's in your best interest to act immediately and retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

After 30 Days

Most states, including South Carolina, allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days). This means the impound lot can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding towing and storage fees. To avoid this, retrieve your vehicle well before this deadline.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, here are some potential options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you by offering a payment plan. It doesn't hurt to ask.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

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

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any 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 leaving the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Greenwood County efficiently and minimize potential costs and complications. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and be prepared to pay the required fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. How long can the impound lot hold my car in Greenwood County?*The impound lot can hold your car indefinitely until the fees are paid. However, after approximately 30 days, they have the right to initiate a lien sale to recover the costs.

**2. What happens if I don't have the money to get my car out of impound in Greenwood County?*If you can't afford the fees, explore options like borrowing from family or friends, asking the lot about payment plans, or consulting with a DUI attorney who might be able to negotiate the fees.

**3. Can someone else pick up my car for me in Greenwood County if my license is suspended?*Yes, a licensed driver can pick up your car for you. They will need their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you, and the vehicle's title or registration.