Crockett County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Crockett County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to DUI in Crockett, TN)*Being arrested for DUI in Crockett County, Tennessee, is a stressful event. Beyond the legal implications, one immediate concern is often: what happens to my car? Typically, after a DUI arrest, your vehicle will be impounded and towed to a local storage lot. Understanding the retrieval process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to get your car back after a DUI arrest in Crockett County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, the Crockett County Sheriff's Department will typically arrange for your vehicle to be towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent an impaired driver from continuing to operate the vehicle.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself may be considered evidence in your DUI case.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability if the vehicle were left unattended and damaged or stolen.

After your arrest, the vehicle will be towed to an impound lot, where it will be stored at your expense until you take steps to retrieve it.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is likely at one of the following impound lots in or near Crockett County:

• A+ Towing & Recovery Service: 2245 Boyd Ave, Brownsville, TN 38012
• H&E Lewis Towing & Recovery, Inc.: 65 Harwell Rd, Brownsville, TN 38012
• A+ Towing & Recovery Service LLC: 553 N Bells St, Alamo, TN 38001
• Tillman's Towing: 7027 TN-189, Friendship, TN 38034

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle 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 and contact information of the towing company.
• Call the Crockett County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Crockett County Sheriff's Department at (731) 696-2104 and inquire about the location of your vehicle. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest.
• Reference your booking number: The Crockett County Jail can confirm where your car was towed, call (731) 696-2121, and provide your booking number.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You'll need a valid driver's license to claim the vehicle. If your license is suspended, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is required. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees in full.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. You have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (stating they have permission to pick up your vehicle), and the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Crockett County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Be prepared for the following fees:

• Towing Fee: This is a flat fee charged by the towing company for towing your vehicle from the arrest location to the impound lot.
• Daily Storage Fee: Storage fees accrue daily. Contact A+ Towing & Recovery Service and H&E Lewis Towing & Recovery, Inc. to inquire about their daily storage fees.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The longer you wait to retrieve your vehicle, the more it will cost. Act as quickly as possible.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most lots accept cash, but policies on credit cards and money orders can vary.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes costs more money. Contact the relevant impound lot immediately to confirm the fees and payment options, and to arrange for pick 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. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point. The sale price may not cover the full value of your vehicle, and you'll lose your transportation.

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 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. This is not always an option, but it's worth asking.
• Consult with your attorney: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge the legality of the impoundment in certain circumstances.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing, and obtain a copy of the written report for your records. This is important for filing a claim against the impound lot's insurance, if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to hold my car in Crockett County? A: Tennessee law typically allows impound lots to initiate a lien sale after 30 days of unpaid storage fees. Contact the impound lot directly to confirm their specific policies.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me in Crockett County if I'm still in jail? A: Yes, someone with a valid driver's license, your vehicle registration or title, proof of insurance, and a signed authorization letter from you can typically retrieve your vehicle on your behalf.

Q: What if the impound lot is closed when I'm ready to pick up my car in Crockett County? A: Contact the impound lot during their business hours to arrange for retrieval. Some lots may offer after-hours pick-up for an additional fee, but this is not guaranteed.