Williamsburg County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Williamsburg County

Being arrested for a DUI in Williamsburg County, South Carolina is stressful enough. Dealing with your impounded vehicle adds another layer of complication. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your car and minimize expenses.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Williamsburg County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to:

• Ensure public safety by preventing you from driving under the influence again.
• Preserve evidence if further investigation is required.
• Allow law enforcement to conduct a thorough inventory of your vehicle.

Understanding the process of retrieving your vehicle is crucial to avoid accumulating unnecessary fees and potential complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is figuring out where your vehicle is being held. Most vehicles are towed to an official impound lot shortly after the arrest.

Official Impound Lots in Williamsburg County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Williamsburg County at this time. This information is often managed locally. However, you can find this information by following the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Williamsburg County Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find your vehicle is to contact the Williamsburg County Police Department or the Sheriff's Office. You can find their number online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and case number (if you have it) to help them locate your vehicle's location quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car will likely be towed to the designated impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents to avoid delays and frustration.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the person retrieving it).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for payment. Confirm acceptable payment methods with the specific impound lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the car.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a signed note stating they have permission to pick up the vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Williamsburg County

Understanding the costs associated with impounding your vehicle is vital. These fees can quickly add up, so acting promptly is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is the fee that accumulates the fastest, so act quickly!
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle.
• Release fee: A one-time release fee may also be charged.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, you should aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically around 30 days, 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

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

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reaching out to loved ones for financial assistance can be a viable option.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the cost. Inquire directly with the impound lot.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid incurring further debt. However, this means you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the total cost.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to additional legal consequences and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in the DUI case, it may be held for a longer period. You will need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer or the court before you can retrieve it.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.

Document Any Damage Immediately

If you find any damage, document it with photos and a written description immediately.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager as soon as possible and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Williamsburg County Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of impound lot locations in Williamsburg County, including addresses, phone numbers, operating hours, and map references (if available). This data needs to be gathered from external sources and updated regularly.]

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. DUI laws and impound procedures can change. Contact a qualified attorney for legal advice regarding your specific situation.