Maury County License Hearing Guide

Navigating a DUI Arrest: A Guide to the Maury County, TN DMV Process

If you've been arrested for DUI in Maury County, Tennessee, understanding the immediate steps involving your vehicle and detention is crucial. The process, governed by both state law and local procedures, can be complex. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of what to expect, focusing on the practical steps you need to take.

Phase 1: Vehicle Impoundment and Recovery

Following a DUI arrest in Maury County, your vehicle will almost certainly be impounded. The agency responsible for the tow depends on where the arrest occurred. If the arrest happened within the Columbia city limits, the Columbia Police Department (CPD) manages the towing rotation. For arrests in unincorporated areas of Maury County, the Maury County Sheriff’s Department (MCSD) handles the process.

Actionable Steps:

1. Identify the Towing Company: The arresting officer should provide you with the name of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. If not, contact the CPD at their non-emergency number or the MCSD to obtain this information.
2. Understand the "Rotation Wrecker" System: Both the CPD and MCSD use a "Rotation Wrecker" system. This means towing companies are called on a rotating basis to ensure fairness and prevent monopolies.
3. Know the Towing Fees: The City of Columbia caps standard towing fees at $125.00 for parking violations or abandonment, which serves as a baseline for DUI-related impounds. If your vehicle required complex recovery (e.g., winching), the rate may be higher, up to $160.00. Storage fees are capped at $25.00 per day, but these fees typically don't begin accruing until 24 hours after the vehicle is impounded.
4. Obtain a Release Order: Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you must obtain a "Release Order" from the agency that ordered the tow (CPD or MCSD). You'll need to present proof of ownership (title, registration, or MSO) and a valid driver's license (since yours is likely suspended). If you recently purchased the vehicle, bring a notarized bill of sale.
5. Contact the Towing Company: Once you have the Release Order, contact the towing company to arrange for vehicle retrieval. Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees directly to the company.
6. Inspect Your Vehicle: Before leaving the lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage or missing property. Document any issues immediately, as it will be difficult to prove liability after you leave.

Key Towing Vendors in Maury County:

• D&D Towing & Recovery LLC: Located at 2643 Leah Drive, Columbia, TN. Offers 24-hour service.
• Die-Hard Towing & Recovery: Located at 122 Dyer St, Columbia, with secondary facilities in Summertown.

Important Considerations:

• "DUI Hold" or "Evidence Hold": Your vehicle may be placed on hold if the DUI involved vehicular assault or homicide, or if a search warrant is pending. During this hold, storage fees should not accrue.
• Payment Options: Towing companies are now mandated to accept major credit cards.
• 24-Hour Access: Towing vendors must have an attendant on-call 24/7 to release vehicles, preventing artificial accumulation of storage fees.

Phase 2: Detention at the Maury County Jail

Following your arrest, you will be transported to the Maury County Jail, located at 1300 Lawson White Drive, Columbia, TN 38401.

What to Expect:

1. Booking Process: Upon arrival, you'll undergo a medical screening, have your personal property inventoried, and be photographed and fingerprinted.
2. The "Hold" Period: You will not be immediately released. Tennessee law requires a "sobering up" period.

Next Steps:

Contact a qualified DUI attorney in Maury County as soon as possible. An attorney can advise you on your rights, help you navigate the legal process, and represent you in court. They can also assist with understanding the implications of your arrest on your driver's license and potential penalties.