Laurens County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Laurens County

Being arrested for a DUI in Laurens County, South Carolina is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges ahead, you're likely facing the immediate problem of getting your vehicle back. This guide provides practical information on navigating the vehicle impound process in Laurens County, helping you understand where your car is, what you need to retrieve it, and how to avoid unnecessary fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Laurens County (and throughout South Carolina), law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle. This is standard procedure for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle may be held as evidence.
• Legal Requirement: South Carolina law allows for vehicle impoundment in DUI cases.

Understanding this process is the first step in getting your car back quickly and efficiently.

Where Is Your Car?

The most important question is: where is your vehicle being held? Most vehicles are towed to an official impound lot soon after the arrest.

Official Impound Lots in Laurens County

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific data on impound lots in Laurens County. However, you can find this information by following the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees. Here’s how to find it:

• Call Laurens County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Laurens County Sheriff's Office or the police department of the municipality where you were arrested. The non-emergency number for the Laurens County Sheriff's Office is likely available online or by calling directory assistance.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and case number (if you have it). This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your vehicle will likely be towed within 24 hours of your arrest, so contacting them as soon as possible is recommended.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, you'll need specific documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: This is required unless someone else is picking up the vehicle for you.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or someone who has authorization).
• Proof of insurance: Documentation showing that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots accept various payment methods. Confirm with the specific lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back.

• Have someone else pick it up: 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 from you, allowing them to pick up the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership or authorized use).

Costs & Fees in Laurens County

Understanding the costs associated with impoundment is critical. Fees can accumulate rapidly, making prompt retrieval essential.

Typical Fees

These are estimated ranges. Contact the specific impound lot for exact figures.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $[Range - Example: $25-$75]
• Release fee: $[Amount - Example: $50]

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Procrastinating will significantly increase the total cost of retrieving your vehicle.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Call the lot in advance to confirm accepted payment types. Common methods include:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Debit Card

Timeline

Time is of the essence when dealing with vehicle impoundment.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours of impoundment. This will minimize daily storage fees and prevent costs from spiraling out of control.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has 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 a DUI arrest often brings unexpected financial strain. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up fast. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

Certain situations require additional considerations.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence, it may be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the investigating officer or the Laurens County Sheriff's Office to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You will likely need written authorization from the police 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.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The owner's driving record is irrelevant.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during towing or storage.
• Take photos: Photograph any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written record of your report.

Laurens County Impound Lot Locations