Pickett County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Pickett

Being arrested for a DUI in Pickett, Tennessee (TN) is stressful enough. On top of the legal challenges, you're probably wondering, "Where's my car?" and "How do I get it back?" This guide provides immediate, practical information on retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Pickett.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Tennessee, the arresting officer will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself may be considered evidence in your case.
• Liability: To protect the police department and the towing company from liability if the vehicle is left unattended.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. The next step is knowing where it is.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car quickly is crucial because impound lots charge daily storage fees. The longer your car sits, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve it.

Official Impound Lots in Pickett

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Pickett County at this time. Pickett is a very small county, and often vehicles are towed to neighboring counties.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Since we don't have a specific list of impound lots, here's how to locate your car:

• Call Pickett Police/Sheriff: This is your first and most important step. Call them at the non-emergency number. You can likely find the number by searching "Pickett County Sheriff's Office" or "Pickett Police Department" online.
• Reference Your Case Number: When you call, provide your name and case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate the record of your arrest and the towing information.
• Vehicles Towed Within 24 Hours: Generally, vehicles are towed within 24 hours of the arrest. Don't delay in contacting the police.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration: Proof that you (or the owner) are the registered owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of Insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or Credit Card: You'll need to pay the impound fees. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest (which is common in Tennessee), you can't retrieve the vehicle yourself.

• Have Someone Else Pick It Up: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They Need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a notarized letter is best), and the vehicle title or registration proving ownership. The impound lot may also require a copy of your driver's license (even if it's suspended).

Costs & Fees in Pickett

The fees associated with vehicle impound can be substantial, so understanding them is vital.

Typical Fees (Estimates)

Keep in mind that these are estimates, and you should confirm the exact fees with the impound lot.

• Towing Fee: $150 - $300 (This can vary depending on the distance towed and the type of vehicle.)
• Daily Storage Fee: $20 - $50 per day (This is where costs can quickly escalate.)
• Administrative Fees: This can range from $25-$75.
• Release Fee: This may be a flat fee, around $50-$100.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more you will owe. Retrieving your car as soon as possible is the best way to minimize costs.

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm their accepted payment methods. Many accept cash and credit cards, but some may only accept cash.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial to avoid losing your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Contact the police and the impound lot immediately to locate your vehicle and understand the retrieval process. This is the most critical time to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You do not want to let this happen.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The fees can be overwhelming, but there are options to consider.

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire with the lot directly.
• Sign Vehicle Over to Impound Lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees and potentially lead to the loss of your vehicle.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can result in 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 in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual. You will need written authorization from the Pickett County District Attorney's office or the investigating officer 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 situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (registration or title) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take photos of any damage you find, and make a written record of it.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager. Get a written acknowledgement of your report. This is crucial for filing a claim for damages later.

Pickett Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with specific impound lot addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation once we have that data for Pickett County.]

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. DUI laws and impound procedures can change. Always consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation. We are actively working to populate this page with more specific Pickett County impound lot information. Please check back soon.