Campbell County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Campbell

A DUI arrest in Campbell, Tennessee, is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? Unfortunately, vehicles are almost always impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. The clock is ticking, and daily storage fees add up fast!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Campbell, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be held as evidence in your case, although this is less common.
• Liability: The arresting agency wants to avoid liability if you were to drive while still impaired and cause an accident.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step in the retrieval process. It's important to act quickly to minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Campbell

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a list of specific impound lots in Campbell, TN, in our database. However, the following steps will help you locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Campbell Police/Sheriff: The Campbell County Sheriff's Office or the Campbell Police Department will know where your vehicle was towed. Their phone number is .
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy. It will contain a case number that will help them locate your vehicle information quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car will likely be at an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Being prepared with the correct documents will streamline the retrieval process and prevent unnecessary delays.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You, or someone picking up the vehicle on your behalf, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the person authorized to pick it up).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards, but it's best to confirm their accepted payment methods when you call to inquire about your vehicle.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Have someone else pick it up: This person must have a valid driver's license.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Written authorization from you allowing them to retrieve the vehicle (a signed letter)
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration proving ownership

Costs & Fees in Campbell

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for planning and budgeting. Fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is essential.

Typical Fees

These are estimated ranges. Actual fees may vary. Contact the specific impound lot for exact amounts.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $[50-100] (This is a placeholder - research and update with a specific range for Campbell County if possible)
• Release fee: $[25-50] (This is a placeholder - research and update with a specific amount for Campbell County if possible)

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Getting your car back as soon as possible is the best way to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, we don't have specific payment method information for impound lots in Campbell, TN. Call the impound lot to confirm what forms of payment they accept (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.)

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

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

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after approximately 30 days, the impound lot may have the 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:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some may allow you to pay the fees in installments.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees accumulate rapidly. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can result in further legal penalties and damage your credit.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

• May be held longer by police: Inquire with the arresting officer or the Campbell County District Attorney's office about the status of your vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police or DA's office before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, such as a family member or leasing company, they have the right to retrieve it regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation:
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide their driver's license and the vehicle's registration or title.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgment of your report.

Campbell Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we don't have a detailed list of specific impound lot locations for Campbell County at this time. To find the location of your vehicle, contact the Campbell Police Department or the Campbell County Sheriff's Office.

This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Campbell, Tennessee, it is crucial to consult with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. They can advise you on your rights and help you navigate the legal process.