Johnson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Johnson County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating DUI Charges in Johnson County, TN)*After a DUI arrest in Johnson County, Tennessee, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Law enforcement typically impounds vehicles following a DUI arrest for several reasons, including public safety and to prevent further impaired driving. Understanding the process of vehicle retrieval is essential to minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Johnson County, your vehicle is typically towed and impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure that the vehicle isn't used for further illegal activity and to allow law enforcement to process the arrest. The impound ensures public safety and provides time for legal proceedings to unfold. Knowing where your car is and what you need to do to get it back is crucial.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle is likely at one of the local towing and impound companies authorized by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. Here are a couple of possibilities:

• Tow Truck Company: Located at 3408 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, TN 37601. Phone: (423) 722-1001.
• Browns Mill Towing: Located at 160 Lynn Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604. Phone: (423) 282-8806.

How to Find Your Vehicle

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

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company. This is the quickest way to determine the location of your vehicle.
• Call the Johnson County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Johnson County Sheriffs Department at 216 Honeysuckle St, Mountain City, TN 37683, Phone: (423) 727-7761. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the location where you were arrested. They should be able to provide you with the name and phone number of the towing company that has your vehicle.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you were processed at the Johnson County Jail located at 998 Honeysuckle St #114, Mountain City, TN 37683, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff's Department quickly locate your records and provide you with the necessary information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot, you will need to provide certain documents and payment for associated fees. It's crucial to gather these items as quickly as possible to minimize storage costs.

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, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You will need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you do not have a valid driver's license, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having a licensed friend or family member do so on your behalf. They will need the following:

• Their Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• A Signed Authorization Letter from You: A signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. This letter should include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a statement authorizing the individual to retrieve your vehicle.
• Vehicle Title or Registration: Proof of your ownership of the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Johnson County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly, so it's important to be aware of the fees involved.

• Towing Fee: This is a one-time fee charged for towing your vehicle from the location of your arrest to the impound lot.
• Daily Storage Fee: The impound lot charges a daily storage fee for each day your vehicle is stored at their facility. While exact figures are not available, contact the impound lot for updated pricing.

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 accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Be prepared to pay the full amount due before the vehicle will be released.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains in the impound lot costs you more money. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain 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. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask a family member or friend to help 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. Inquire about this option.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take photographs 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Johnson County? You should retrieve your car as soon as possible to avoid accruing high storage fees. After approximately 30 days, the impound lot can begin the process of selling your vehicle to recover the fees.

2Can someone else pick up my car for me if I'm unable to in Johnson County? Yes, someone else can pick up your car for you if they have a valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you, and the vehicle's title or registration.

3What if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Johnson County? Contact the impound lot to ask about payment plans. You can also consult with your attorney, who may be able to negotiate the fees.