Coffee County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Coffee County

After a DUI arrest in Coffee County, Tennessee, one of your immediate concerns is likely the status of your vehicle. In most DUI cases, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons: to ensure public safety, to prevent you from driving while intoxicated, and to preserve the vehicle as potential evidence. Understanding the impound process and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing costs and retrieving your vehicle as soon as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is likely being held at the Coffee County Sheriff's Office impound lot:

• Coffee County Sheriff's Office: 76 County Jail Ln, Manchester, TN 37355. Phone: (931) 570-4421.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your car was towed, there 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 the location where your vehicle was taken.
• Call the Coffee County Sheriff's Office: You can call the non-emergency line at (931) 570-4421 and provide them with your name, date of birth, and vehicle description. They should be able to tell you where your vehicle is located.
• Reference your booking number: Providing your booking number from the Coffee County Jail may expedite the process of locating your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle from the Coffee County Sheriff's Office impound lot, you will need to provide the following:

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 of the vehicle. This can be either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees before the vehicle will be released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle unless you have a valid restricted license. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: You can authorize a licensed friend or family member to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (clearly stating their name and authorizing them to retrieve your vehicle), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Coffee County

Be aware that retrieving your vehicle involves costs, and these costs can increase rapidly.

• Daily Storage Fee: The Coffee County Sheriff's Office charges a daily storage fee of $N/A.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you will have to pay.

Payment

It is crucial to contact the Coffee County Sheriff's Office at (931) 570-4421 in advance to confirm what forms of payment they accept. They may accept cash, credit cards, or money orders. Be prepared to pay the full amount due before the vehicle is released.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle. Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed, and these fees can quickly add up.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed at an impound lot for an extended period (typically 30 days), the lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to the public. Do everything possible to retrieve your vehicle before it reaches this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not always the case. It's worth asking the Coffee County Sheriff's Office if they have any options available.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge the legality of the impound.

After Retrieval

Once you have paid the fees and retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

• 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 photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the Coffee County Sheriff's Office in writing about any damage before you leave the premises. This will help you if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can someone else pick up my car for me in Coffee County?

Yes, if you provide them with a signed authorization letter, a copy of your driver's license (even if suspended), and they have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance for the vehicle. They will also need the vehicle registration or title.

2What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Coffee County?

The Coffee County Sheriff's Office can eventually sell your vehicle at auction to cover the towing and storage fees if it remains unclaimed. Contact them to discuss possible payment options.

3What if I think my car was illegally towed in Coffee County?

Consult with a DUI attorney. They can advise you on your rights and whether you have grounds to challenge the impound.