Obion County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Obion

A DUI arrest is stressful enough, but dealing with the impoundment of your vehicle adds another layer of complication. If you've been arrested for DUI in Obion, Tennessee, and your car was towed, this guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve it. Time is of the essence, as fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Obion, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered part of the evidence in your case.
• Standard Procedure: It's standard procedure following a DUI arrest to ensure compliance with the law.

Knowing why your car was impounded is less important than understanding how to get it back. Let's break down the steps.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle is located is the first crucial step.

Official Impound Lots in Obion

[List impound lots from database with addresses, phones, hours]

(Since no impound lot data is available, we'll provide general advice. Once data becomes available, this section should be updated.)

While specific impound lot information isn't currently available, common impound locations in smaller counties like Obion often include local towing companies contracted by the police department or sheriff's office.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Obion Police/Sheriff: Contact the Obion Police Department or the Obion County Sheriff's Office immediately. Their non-emergency number should be readily available online.
• Reference your case number: Provide them with your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your vehicle will likely be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

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

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or to someone who has authorized you to retrieve it).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods.

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.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle).
• Vehicle title/registration (to prove ownership or your right to authorize someone else to pick it up).

Costs & Fees in Obion

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for budgeting and planning.

Typical Fees

Expect to pay the following types of fees:

• Towing fee: $150-300 (This can vary based on the distance towed and the size of the vehicle).
• Daily storage: $20-50 per day (This is where the costs can quickly escalate, so act fast!).
• Administrative fees: $[25-75] (These are processing fees charged by the impound lot).
• Release fee: $[25-50] (A fee for releasing the vehicle from impound).

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment Methods

(This section will be updated when impound lot data becomes available.)

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm which payment methods they accept. Common methods include:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Debit Card

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial for avoiding further complications.

Within 24 Hours

Try to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours to minimize storage fees. This is the most cost-effective approach.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell the vehicle at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, explore these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to satisfy the debt. This avoids further fees but means you'll lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse financially.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

Certain situations may require additional steps.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney or the investigating officer to inquire about the release of your vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: You'll likely need written authorization from the police department or the court before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The owner will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: Impound lots are very strict about verifying ownership to prevent theft.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, 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: Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager and file a claim if necessary.

Obion Impound Lot Locations

[Detailed list with map references if available]

(This section will be populated with specific impound lot information as it becomes available. In the meantime, contact the Obion Police Department or the Obion County Sheriff's Office for the location of your vehicle.)

Getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Obion can be a stressful process, but by following these steps and acting quickly, you can minimize the costs and complications involved. Remember to contact the authorities and the impound lot as soon as possible to get the process started. Good luck!