Overton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Overton

Being arrested for a DUI in Overton, Tennessee, can be a stressful and confusing experience. Besides dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely worried about your vehicle. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded car in Overton.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Overton, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent you from driving under the influence again. It also gives law enforcement time to gather evidence if needed. Understanding this is the first step in getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

The first thing you need to do is locate your vehicle. It will be at an official impound lot designated by the Overton County authorities.

Official Impound Lots in Overton

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Overton, TN, at this time. However, you can quickly locate your vehicle by following the steps below. We are working to gather the most up-to-date information for you.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Overton Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Overton County Sheriff's Department or the local police department immediately. They will be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Overton County Sheriff's Department Phone:
• Overton Police Department Phone:
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and, if possible, your case number. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will 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

Once you know where your car is, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• 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 of ownership is essential.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots require payment for towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to pick it up.

• Have someone else pick it up: Designate a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a signed note stating they have permission to pick up your vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Overton

Understanding the costs involved is crucial because fees accumulate quickly.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be additional administrative fees in the range of $[range, if available, e.g., $25-$50; otherwise, leave blank].
• Release fee: Some impound lots charge a release fee of $[amount, if available; otherwise, leave blank].

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Try to retrieve your car as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of it being impounded. This will minimize the daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover the costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI is already financially straining, and the impound fees can add to the burden.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Explore borrowing money from trusted sources to cover the fees.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. 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's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• 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 your vehicle is being held as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer by the police.

• May be held longer by police: The police will notify you when the vehicle is no longer needed as evidence.
• Get release authorization first: Before attempting to retrieve the vehicle, obtain written release authorization from the investigating officer or the District Attorney's office.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a parent, spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can pick up the car even if you are unable to do so.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these important steps:

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 clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written record of your report.

Overton Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with detailed information about Overton impound lots, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references, as soon as the data is available. Check back soon!]

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you've been arrested for DUI in Overton, TN, it's crucial to consult with a qualified Tennessee DUI attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and options.