Cheatham County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Cheatham County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to DUI in Cheatham County, TN)*A DUI arrest in Cheatham County, Tennessee, can set off a chain of events, and one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. After a DUI arrest, law enforcement typically has your vehicle towed and impounded. This guide provides critical information on locating your vehicle, the necessary paperwork, associated costs, and the steps you need to take to retrieve your car as quickly as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Cheatham County, your vehicle is usually impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself may be considered evidence.
• Standard Procedure: Impoundment is a standard procedure following a DUI arrest.

Understanding the impound process and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing storage fees and preventing further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is likely being held at a private towing company's impound lot. In Cheatham County, one such company is:

• Caliber Towing: 1012 Richland Trail Rd, Ashland City, TN 37015

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your car was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name of the towing company and their contact information.
• Call the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department at 200 Court Sq, Ashland City, TN 37015. Their phone number is (615) 792-4341. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the location where you were arrested, and they may be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you were processed at the Cheatham County Jail, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff's Office locate your vehicle information more quickly. The Cheatham County Jail is located at 100 Public Square, Ashland City, TN 37015, and their main phone number is (615) 792-2025.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents and payment ready.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You'll need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid license.
• A Signed Authorization Letter from You: A letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle Title or Registration: To prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Cheatham County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to understand the costs involved. Contact Caliber Towing at (615) 979-4187 for specific information about their fees.

Important: Storage fees accrue daily, so the faster you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll pay.

Payment

Call Caliber Towing in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your car remains at the impound lot, the fees increase.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. Don't let it reach this point!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance to cover the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments.
• Consult with Your Attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge them if they seem unreasonable.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the impound lot, take these crucial steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully examine your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Before you leave the lot, report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report. This is essential for filing a claim later if necessary.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Cheatham County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can minimize costs and ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will Caliber Towing hold my vehicle before selling it? A: Typically, Caliber Towing can initiate a lien sale after 30 days of unclaimed storage. Contact them directly at (615) 979-4187 for their specific policy.

Q: Does the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office offer any assistance with impound fees? A: No, the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office does not provide financial assistance with impound fees. These are private fees charged by the towing company. Contact Caliber Towing at (615) 979-4187 directly.

Q: Can I get a temporary permit to drive my car from Caliber Towing if my license is suspended? A: No, you cannot obtain a temporary permit to drive with a suspended license. You must have a licensed driver retrieve the vehicle for you.