Hickman County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Hickman County

A DUI arrest in Hickman County, TN, can trigger a cascade of stressful events, and one of the most pressing is dealing with your impounded vehicle. After being arrested for DUI, your vehicle is typically impounded to ensure public safety and prevent you from driving while intoxicated. Knowing how to retrieve your car quickly and efficiently can save you money and additional headaches. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Hickman County, the arresting officer will arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at a designated impound lot. This is standard procedure, regardless of whether you own the vehicle. The impound is initiated to remove the vehicle from the roadway and prevent further risk. The Hickman County Sheriff's Office will typically oversee this process. Once the vehicle is impounded, you become responsible for all associated towing and storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is the first crucial step. In Hickman County, your vehicle may have been towed to one of the following locations:

• Fairview Towing & Recovery: 7564 Crow Cut Rd (mailing only I 40w 182, Fairview, TN 37062. Phone: (615) 948-6567
• Harpeth Towing & Recovery: 2644 TN-46, Dickson, TN 37055. Phone: (615) 591-4623

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are some ways to find out:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The officer who arrested you should have provided documentation indicating the name and contact information of the towing company. Look for this information on the citation or any release forms you received.
• Call the Hickman County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the Hickman County Sheriff's Office at (931) 729-6143. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest. They should be able to tell you which towing company has your vehicle. The Hickman County Sheriff's Office is located at 108 College Ave, Centerville, TN 37033.
• Reference your booking number: When you were booked into the Hickman County Jail, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate information about your arrest and the impound of your vehicle.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid delays or being turned away.

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, either through the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. Here's what they'll need:

• Their valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid license.
• A signed authorization letter from you: You need to provide a signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. Include your name, their name, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's VIN.
• Vehicle title or registration: They must also present proof of ownership (registration or title).

Costs & Fees in Hickman County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's crucial to act promptly.

Based on available data:

• Fairview Towing & Recovery: Daily Fee: $N/A
• Harpeth Towing & Recovery: Daily Fee: $N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most impound lots in Hickman County accept cash, but it's always wise to verify. Some may also accept credit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot, the fees increase. Contact the towing company immediately to understand their fee structure and payment policies.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees. To avoid this, retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following:

• 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 a guarantee, but it's worth asking.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: An attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company to reduce the fees or challenge the impound if there were any procedural errors.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing before you leave the premises. This will create a record of your claim and help you pursue compensation for the damage.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Hickman County with greater confidence and minimize potential complications. Remember to act quickly to reduce expenses and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. Can I get my personal belongings out of my car before I retrieve it?*Yes, in most cases, you can arrange to retrieve your personal belongings from the vehicle before paying the full impound fees. Contact the impound lot to schedule a time to do so. They may require identification and proof of ownership.

**2. What happens if I don't retrieve my car from the impound lot?*If you don't retrieve your car within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale and sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees. You'll lose ownership of the vehicle.

**3. Can I challenge the impound of my vehicle?*In some cases, you may be able to challenge the impound of your vehicle if you believe it was unlawful or improper. Consult with a DUI attorney to explore your options.