Decatur County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Decatur

Being arrested for a DUI in Decatur, Tennessee is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. One of the first concerns after a DUI arrest is often, "How do I get my car back?" This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Decatur.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Decatur, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent further violations and ensure public safety. It’s crucial to act quickly to retrieve your vehicle to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is the first step. The arresting officer should have provided you with some information, but if not, here's how to track it down:

Official Impound Lots in Decatur

Unfortunately, we don't have specific data on impound lots in Decatur yet. However, generally, impounded vehicles are taken to a contracted towing company's lot.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Decatur Police/Sheriff: Start by contacting the Decatur Police Department or the Decatur County Sheriff's Office. Their non-emergency phone number is essential. You can usually find this online with a quick search.
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your case number ready. This will help them quickly locate the information about your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your vehicle is typically towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities to find out its location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation. Make sure you have everything ready before heading to the impound lot.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of ownership of the vehicle is required.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the impound and storage fees. Check with the specific impound lot about accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to pick it up.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a simple signed note stating you authorize them to retrieve the car), and the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Decatur

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impound is vital. Fees accumulate quickly, so prompt action is crucial.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be additional administrative fees.
• Release fee: A release fee might also be charged.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Retrieving your car as soon as possible is critical to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most accept cash and major credit cards, but some may only take cash.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Prioritize getting your car back within the first 24 hours to avoid racking up excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 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 is not uncommon. Here are some potential options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider asking for assistance from loved ones.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some lots may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt but result in losing the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and additional fees.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may require additional steps.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer by law enforcement.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police or the court before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This helps prevent unauthorized individuals from claiming the vehicle.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any new damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim if necessary.

Decatur Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated as data becomes available. For now, remember to contact the Decatur Police Department or the Decatur County Sheriff's Office to determine the specific location of your vehicle.]

This guide is intended to provide general information. Every situation is different. Consulting with an attorney is always recommended after a DUI arrest to understand your legal rights and options.