Cocke County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Cocke County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Cocke County, TN)*A DUI arrest in Cocke County, Tennessee, involves more than just legal proceedings; it also affects your personal property, most notably your vehicle. After a DUI arrest, it's standard procedure for law enforcement to impound your vehicle. This is done for several reasons, including preventing further operation of the vehicle by an impaired driver, preserving evidence (if applicable), and ensuring public safety. Understanding the process of retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following your arrest for DUI in Cocke County, your vehicle was likely towed and impounded. The arresting officer typically arranges for a local towing company to transport your car to their impound lot. You will not be allowed to drive your vehicle from the scene. The vehicle will be held until you, or someone authorized by you, claims it and pays all associated fees. It’s important to act quickly to minimize storage costs.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is the first step in the retrieval process. In Cocke County, your vehicle may have been towed to one of the following impound lots:

• Evans Towing: 860 US-25W #70, Newport, TN 37821, Phone: (423) 623-0008
• Royal Roadside and Towing: 1408 Windswept Cir, Newport, TN 37821, Phone: (423) 415-1660
• Gran Boys Towing: 311 Industrial Rd, Newport, TN 37821, Phone: (423) 603-8953

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, try these steps:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company used. This is the quickest and most reliable way to find your car.
• Call the Cocke County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Cocke County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line to inquire about the location of your impounded vehicle. Be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and date of arrest.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Your booking number, assigned during the booking process, can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate information about your arrest and the location of your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to prevent delays and ensure a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership, either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your 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 licensed friend or family member 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's title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Cocke County

Understanding the costs associated with impoundment is crucial. These fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is essential.

• Evans Towing: Daily Fee: $N/A
• Royal Roadside and Towing: Daily Fee: $N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most lots accept cash, but credit card and money order policies vary. It's best to be prepared.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot costs you more money. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to determine the exact amount due and arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to the public. To avoid losing your vehicle, act promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and struggling to pay the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask a family member or friend for assistance in covering 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 Your Attorney: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot on your behalf or challenge the fees in court if they are deemed unreasonable.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take these precautions:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately Before Leaving the Lot: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take photographs of any damage you find, documenting the date, time, and location.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing Before You Drive Away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and strengthens your claim if you need to seek compensation for repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I pay the impound fees in Cocke County? Some impound lots will allow you to retrieve essential personal items (medication, documents) from the vehicle before paying the fees, but this is at their discretion. Call ahead to inquire.
2. What if I believe the towing fees are too high in Cocke County? If you believe the fees are excessive, document the fees and consult with your attorney. They can advise you on whether you have grounds to challenge the fees.
3. What happens if the car isn't registered in my name? If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you'll need to provide documentation proving your right to possess the vehicle, such as a bill of sale or power of attorney from the registered owner.