Lexington County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lexington County

(dui.guide - Your Guide to DUI in Lexington County, SC)

Being arrested for DUI in Lexington County, South Carolina is a stressful situation. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you’re likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. This guide provides immediate, practical steps on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle quickly and efficiently.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Lexington County, your vehicle is almost always impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents. The impound is a temporary holding of your vehicle until you, or someone authorized by you, can retrieve it. Understanding the process is crucial to minimizing costs and avoiding further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After your arrest, your vehicle was most likely towed to an official impound lot. Locating it is your first priority.

Official Impound Lots in Lexington County

Unfortunately, we don't yet have a comprehensive database of all impound lots in Lexington County. We are working to gather this information. In the meantime, use the following methods to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Lexington County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Lexington County Police Department or the Lexington County Sheriff's Department to inquire about your vehicle's location. They should be able to tell you where your car was towed.
• Phone: - Check your arrest paperwork for the specific number of the arresting agency.
• Reference your case number: Have your case number (if you have it) or your driver's license information ready when you call. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your vehicle is usually towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Act quickly to start the retrieval process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment. Prepare these items to streamline the process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You need the vehicle's 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, storage, and administrative fees.

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, but you’ll need someone else to pick it up.

• Have someone else pick it up: Designate a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Written authorization from you (a simple signed note stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle)
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership)

Costs & Fees in Lexington County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. Fees accumulate daily, so act fast.

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 quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle. These can range from $.
• Release fee: A final release fee may be charged. Expect to pay around $.

IMPORTANT: These are estimates. Actual fees may vary depending on the towing company and impound lot policies. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm the exact costs.

Payment Methods

[We are currently gathering information on accepted payment methods at various impound lots in Lexington County. Common payment methods include cash and major credit cards. Call the impound lot to confirm.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence. The longer your car remains impounded, the more you'll pay.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of the impound to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle difficult. Explore these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider asking for financial assistance from family or friends to cover the fees.
• Payment plans: Inquire whether the impound lot offers payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you to arrange a payment schedule.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the total cost due to daily storage fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in the DUI investigation, it may be held longer.

• May be held longer by police: Check with your attorney or the Lexington County Police/Sheriff's Department 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, the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner must present valid identification and proof of ownership.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This includes the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Photograph any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request documentation of your report. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim.

Lexington County Impound Lot Locations

[We are actively building a comprehensive list of impound lot locations in Lexington County. Please check back soon for detailed information, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references. In the meantime, contact the Lexington County Police/Sheriff to determine where your car was towed.]

(Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with an attorney for specific legal advice related to your DUI case.)