DeKalb County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in DeKalb

Being arrested for DUI in DeKalb, Tennessee is stressful enough. On top of navigating the legal process, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of getting your car back. This guide provides practical steps to help you retrieve your impounded vehicle quickly and efficiently.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in DeKalb County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent the potential misuse of the vehicle. It also allows law enforcement to collect any evidence that might be present in the car. Unfortunately, impoundment also comes with fees that can add up quickly. This guide is designed to help you understand the process and minimize those costs.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. It's usually towed to an official impound lot designated by the DeKalb Police Department or the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

Official Impound Lots in DeKalb

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot information for DeKalb County in our database. However, you can find this information by following the steps below. We will update this section as soon as we gather the necessary data.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to track down your impounded vehicle:

• Call DeKalb Police/Sheriff: This is the quickest and most reliable way to find out where your car is located. Contact them at the non-emergency number. You can usually find the number online by searching "DeKalb County Police Department" or "DeKalb County Sheriff's Department".
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your case number (if you have it) or your name, date of birth, and date of arrest. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your vehicle should be towed to the impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, gather the necessary documents for retrieval.

Required Documents

You'll generally need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license: This is crucial. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone with a valid license to pick up the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or someone who has authorization).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Contact the specific lot ahead of time to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI, you have a couple of options:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. This may require a notarized letter, so check with the impound lot.
• The vehicle title or registration in their name or proof that they are authorized to possess the vehicle (e.g., a power of attorney).

Costs & Fees in DeKalb

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to planning your retrieval strategy.

Typical Fees

While we don't have specific fee data for DeKalb County impound lots, expect to encounter the following types of fees:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This can vary based on distance towed and type of vehicle)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where the costs can quickly escalate)
• Administrative fees: $[Varies] (These cover the impound lot's administrative costs)
• Release fee: $[Amount] (A one-time fee for releasing the vehicle)

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Procrastinating will significantly increase the total cost of retrieving your vehicle.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot where your car is located to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards, but it's best to verify beforehand.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours of impoundment. This will minimize the daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. You want to avoid this at all costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest can create financial strain. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the most straightforward solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some may be willing to work with you, but it's not guaranteed.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the title of the vehicle over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: As mentioned earlier, fees accumulate daily. Delaying retrieval will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal complications and potentially additional fines.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

In some cases, your vehicle may be held longer by the police if it's considered evidence in your DUI case.

• May be held longer by police: The police will need to complete their investigation before releasing the vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, contact the DeKalb Police Department or the District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member or a leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner is ultimately responsible for the vehicle.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide proof of ownership (e.g., the vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any 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 complaint. This is crucial for pursuing any potential claims for compensation.

DeKalb Impound Lot Locations

As mentioned previously, we are working to gather the most up-to-date information on DeKalb County impound lot locations. Please contact the DeKalb Police Department or the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department for the most accurate information.

We hope this guide has been helpful. Remember to act quickly and gather all necessary documents to retrieve your vehicle efficiently and minimize costs. Good luck navigating this process.