Orangeburg County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Orangeburg County

Being arrested for DUI in Orangeburg County can be a disorienting experience. Besides the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. In most DUI cases in South Carolina, the arresting officer will have your car towed and impounded. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Orangeburg County.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed to a local impound lot. It’s essential to determine where your car was taken as quickly as possible to avoid accruing daily storage fees. The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office handles investigations within the county.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Several methods can help you locate your impounded vehicle:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that took your vehicle.
• Call the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot find the information on your paperwork, contact the Sheriff's Office at 803-531-4647. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: When you were processed at the Orangeburg-Calhoun Regional Detention Center, you were assigned a booking number. Having this number handy when you call can expedite the search process. You can use the Orangeburg County, South Carolina Inmate Search to locate booking information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

You'll generally need the following to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot:

• 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 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 driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a trusted friend or family member with a valid license 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.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Orangeburg County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is essential. While municipal ordinances in Orangeburg strictly cap the fees that rotation wreckers can charge, these fees can still become substantial.

Typical towing fees in South Carolina range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees generally run between $25 and $50 per day. It is crucial to contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fee schedule.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment

Contact the impound lot before you go to ask about their accepted payment methods. Some lots accept cash only, while others may take credit cards or money orders. Being prepared with the correct form of payment will save you time and potential headaches.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Begin the retrieval process as soon as possible. Storage fees start accumulating the instant your vehicle is towed, so every day of delay increases the total cost.

After 30 Days

In South Carolina, if a vehicle remains unclaimed at an impound lot for a certain period (typically 30 days), the lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding towing and storage fees. To prevent this, act quickly to claim your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance from someone who can help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth inquiring about this possibility.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge the legality of the impoundment.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's care.
• 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 removing the vehicle from the premises. This documentation will be essential if you need to file a claim for damages later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Orangeburg County and minimize potential complications and expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do I have to request an administrative hearing with the DMV after a DUI arrest in Orangeburg County? You have a strict 30-day window to request a hearing with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings in Columbia to contest your license suspension.
2. Where is the Orangeburg-Calhoun Regional Detention Center located? The jail is located at 1520 Ellis Avenue, Orangeburg, SC 29118, part of the centralized Law Enforcement Complex.
3. What is the non-emergency number for the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office? You can reach the Sheriff's Office at 803-531-4647 for non-emergency inquiries, including locating your impounded vehicle.