Newberry County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Newberry County

A DUI arrest in Newberry County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happened to your vehicle. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded car after a DUI arrest in Newberry County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Newberry County, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons. This is standard procedure to prevent further illegal operation of the vehicle, ensure public safety, and protect the vehicle itself. Don't panic – getting your car back is achievable, but time is of the essence due to accumulating fees.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. After your arrest, it's usually towed to an official impound lot.

Official Impound Lots in Newberry County

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot data for Newberry County in our database. However, we're working on gathering this information. In the meantime, follow the steps below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Newberry County Police/Sheriff: This is the most direct way to find out where your car was towed. Contact either the Newberry County Police Department or the Newberry County Sheriff's Office.
• Newberry County Police Department:
• Newberry County Sheriff's Office:
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy. Your case number will help them quickly locate your vehicle information.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Be aware that your vehicle is typically towed very soon after your arrest, often within 24 hours.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, you need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: Either yours or someone else's who is legally able to drive the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy 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 or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need assistance:

• 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
• Written authorization from you (a signed note stating they have your permission)
• The vehicle title or registration (proving ownership or your right to possess the vehicle)

Costs & Fees in Newberry County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. Impound fees can add up quickly, so acting fast is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs escalate rapidly.
• Administrative fees: $
• Release fee: $

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your car.

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours. This minimizes the daily storage fees and prevents the total cost from spiraling out of control.

After 30 Days

If your 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. You will lose your vehicle entirely.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a financial strain after a DUI is common. Here are some options if you're struggling to afford the impound fees:

Options

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

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination only increases the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and fines.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

In some cases, your vehicle might be held longer by the police if it's considered evidence in your DUI case (e.g., if there were open containers or other illegal substances inside).

• May be held longer by police: This is at the discretion of the investigating officers.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, contact the Newberry County Police Department or Sheriff's Office to obtain written release authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your driving status.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They are the legal owner.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The vehicle's title or registration in their name.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important 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: Capture photographic evidence of any damage.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Newberry County Impound Lot Locations

We are actively working to compile a comprehensive list of impound lot locations in Newberry County. Please check back soon for updated information. In the meantime, use the contact information provided above to locate your vehicle.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Newberry County, South Carolina, it is essential to consult with a qualified DUI attorney.