Jefferson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Jefferson County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI)*A DUI arrest in Jefferson County, Tennessee, brings a whirlwind of legal and practical challenges. One immediate concern is the impoundment of your vehicle. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to retrieve your car, what documents you'll need, the associated costs, and critical timelines to keep in mind. Acting quickly is essential to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications. Remember, this information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Contact a Jefferson County DUI attorney immediately to discuss your specific situation.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Jefferson County, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as evidence if it was involved in an accident or contained evidence related to the DUI charge.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency and the towing company from liability.

Following your arrest, your vehicle is towed to a designated impound lot. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office typically contracts with local towing companies for this purpose. You will need to take specific steps to reclaim your vehicle, and understanding this process is crucial.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle was likely towed to one of the following impound lots in the Jefferson County area:

• J Hooks Towing & Recovery | Jump Starts & Tire Changes: 840 US-25W #70, Dandridge, TN 37725
• Norton's Towing: 1165 W Hwy 11E, New Market, TN 37820

How to Find Your Vehicle

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

1. Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest and easiest way to find your car.
2. Call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at (865) 471-6000. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest. They should be able to tell you which towing company has your vehicle.
3. Reference Your Booking Number: When you were booked into the Jefferson County Jail, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff's Office locate your vehicle information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and be prepared to pay the associated fees.

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 of the vehicle, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: You'll need to pay all towing and storage fees before the vehicle can be released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case, you have two options:

1. Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: A licensed friend or family member can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
2. They Need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Jefferson County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing fees and daily storage fees.

• Unfortunately, the specific towing fees and daily storage rates for J Hooks Towing & Recovery and Norton's Towing are not available. Contact them directly to confirm.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you will pay.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm the accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Personal checks are rarely accepted.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes adds to the total cost. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to determine the exact fees and arrange for retrieval.

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 unpaid towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point. The lien sale process can be complex and result in you losing your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth inquiring about this option.
• Consult With Your Attorney: Your attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company to reduce the fees or challenge the impoundment if there were any procedural errors.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Before leaving the impound lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in their custody.
• Document Any Damage With Photos: Take photos of any damage you find, including close-up shots and overall views.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager in writing before you drive away. Obtain a copy of the written report for your records. This documentation will be essential if you need to file a claim for damages.

Taking these steps will help you navigate the vehicle retrieval process smoothly and protect your rights after a DUI arrest in Jefferson County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to keep my car? A: 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.

Q: Can I get my belongings out of my car before I pay for it? A: You can usually arrange a time to retrieve essential personal belongings from your car. Contact the impound lot and explain your situation. Be prepared to show identification and proof of ownership.

Q: What if the police damaged my car during the arrest? A: If your vehicle was damaged during the arrest, consult with your attorney. You may have grounds to file a claim against the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for the cost of the repairs.