Lewis County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lewis

Being arrested for DUI in Lewis, Tennessee, can be a stressful and confusing experience. On top of the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happened to your vehicle. Typically, after a DUI arrest, your car is impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical advice on how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible in Lewis County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Tennessee, law enforcement will often impound your vehicle for several reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing an potentially impaired driver from the road and preventing them from driving again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be considered evidence in your DUI case, especially if it was involved in an accident.
• Standard Procedure: It's a common procedure following a DUI arrest to ensure the safety of the public and the vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is figuring out where your car is being held. In Lewis County, vehicles are typically towed to designated impound lots.

Official Impound Lots in Lewis

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot data for Lewis County. This information will be updated as soon as it's available.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Without a specific list of impound lots, here's how to locate your vehicle:

• Call Lewis Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find your car is to contact the Lewis County Sheriff's Department or the police department that made the arrest. They will have a record of where your vehicle was towed.

• You can usually find their contact information online by searching for "Lewis County Sheriff's Department" or the name of the specific town's police department.

• Reference your case number: When you call, be sure to have your case number ready. This will help them quickly locate the information about your vehicle.

• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed within hours of your arrest, so act quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is crucial for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

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

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or someone who has permission to retrieve it).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards (check with the specific lot to confirm).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need to arrange for someone else to pick up the vehicle. They will need:

• Their own valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed letter authorizing them to retrieve your vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title/registration: Proof that you own the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Lewis

Understanding the costs involved is essential to avoid surprises.

Typical Fees

Keep in mind that fees can vary. Here's a general idea of what to expect:

• Towing fee: $150-300
• Daily storage: $20-50 per day
• Administrative fees: $[Range - Will update when available]
• Release fee: $[Amount - Will update when available]

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment Methods

Payment methods will vary depending on the impound lot. Most accept cash, and many also accept credit cards. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your car within 24 hours of it being impounded. This minimizes the daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your 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 costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest often comes with unexpected financial burdens. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, 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 possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid accumulating further debt. However, you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up exponentially. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, you'll need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer or the court before the impound lot will release it.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest. They'll need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration).

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these 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

Take clear photos of the damage as evidence.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report the damage to the impound lot manager immediately and file a written complaint.

Lewis Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be updated with a detailed list of impound lot locations in Lewis County, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as soon as the data becomes available. Please check back soon!]

This guide is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Lewis County, Tennessee, it is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your legal options.