Franklin County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Franklin

A DUI arrest in Franklin, TN can be a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides a practical roadmap to navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Franklin.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Tennessee, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is a standard procedure for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be held as evidence related to your DUI case.
• Liability: To protect the police and the city of Franklin from liability if you were to cause an accident.

Understanding this process is crucial to minimizing the hassle and expense of retrieving your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. It's usually towed to an official impound lot.

Official Impound Lots in Franklin

Unfortunately, specific impound lot data for Franklin is currently unavailable. However, common practice is for vehicles to be towed to a local lot contracted by the Franklin Police Department or the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Franklin Police/Sheriff: Start by calling the non-emergency number for the Franklin Police Department or the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
• (Search online for current Franklin Police Department/Sheriff's Office non-emergency phone number)
• Reference Your Case Number: When you call, provide your full name and, most importantly, your arrest or case number. This helps them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most Vehicles Towed Within 24 Hours of Arrest: Your vehicle will likely be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your car, you'll need specific documents and payment.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration: You'll need the vehicle's current registration.
• Proof of Insurance: Provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or Credit Card for Fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle.

• Have Someone Else Pick It Up: A friend or family member with a valid license can pick up the car for you.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in Franklin

Retrieving your vehicle involves various fees that can add up quickly.

Typical Fees

• Towing Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily Storage: Storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative Fees: These fees can vary but may range from $25-$75.
• Release Fee: A release fee might be charged by the impound lot, typically around $50.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more it will cost to get your car back.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Be sure to confirm acceptable payment methods before heading to the lot. Common methods include:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours to minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let it get to this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: Ask for assistance from loved ones.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option.
• Sign Vehicle Over to Impound Lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Fees increase daily. Procrastination will only worsen the situation.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can result in further legal consequences and fines.

Special Situations

Certain situations require additional considerations.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney or the Franklin Police Department to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: Obtain written authorization from the police or the court before attempting to retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), 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 will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: As above, the title or registration.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

• Document any damage immediately: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Capture photographic evidence of the damage.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Franklin Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated when impound lot data is available. It will include a list of impound lots in Franklin, TN, with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and a map if possible.]

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney in Franklin, Tennessee, for personalized guidance regarding your specific DUI case.