Stewart County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Stewart

Being arrested for DUI in Stewart, Tennessee is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal consequences, you also have to figure out what to do with your vehicle, which is often impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to help you retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Stewart, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence related to the DUI charge.
• Liability: To protect the police and city from liability if something were to happen to the vehicle if left unattended.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is crucial to minimizing storage fees. Your vehicle is likely at an official impound lot contracted by the Stewart Police Department or the Stewart County Sheriff's Office.

Official Impound Lots in Stewart

[Note: Since no impound lot data is available, this section will be kept generic. This would be populated with specific addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation once the data is available.]

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a list of specific impound lots used in Stewart. However, the following section will help you locate it.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The fastest way to find your impounded vehicle is to contact the authorities who arrested you.

• Call Stewart Police/Sheriff: Contact them directly. The non-emergency number is your best bet.
• Reference your case number: Have your case number or arrest details ready when you call. This will help them locate your vehicle information quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed within 24 hours of your arrest. The impound lot should have a record of it.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you head to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents to avoid any delays.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You or someone authorized to pick up the vehicle needs a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the person authorizing the release).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can pick up the car.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed note or power of attorney).
• The vehicle title or registration to prove ownership (or your authorization to represent the owner).

Costs & Fees in Stewart

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is essential. These are estimates, and actual fees may vary.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150-300 (This can depend on distance and the size of the vehicle).
• Daily storage: $20-50 per day (This is where the fees really accumulate!)
• Administrative fees: $[0-50] (These cover paperwork and processing).
• Release fee: $[25-50] (A fee to release the vehicle).

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back.

Payment Methods

[Note: This section will be updated with specific payment methods accepted at Stewart impound lots once that data is available. In the meantime, we suggest contacting the impound lot directly to confirm acceptable payment methods.]

It's best to call the impound lot ahead of time to confirm what forms of payment they accept. Common methods include cash and credit cards, but some may also accept debit cards or money orders.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Aim to get your car back within 24 hours of the impound. This will help you avoid significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within 30 days (or a period specified by Tennessee law), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your car and could still be responsible for any remaining fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing unexpected impound fees can be a financial burden. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but 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.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues 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 related to the DUI, it might be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the arresting officer or the Stewart County District Attorney's office to inquire about the release of your vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police department 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 parent or spouse), they have the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can pick up the vehicle, even if your license is suspended.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your car for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as proof.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Stewart Impound Lot Locations

[Note: This section will contain a detailed list of Stewart impound lot locations, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references, once that data is available. We will also include links to Google Maps for easy navigation.]

We are currently working to gather a comprehensive list of impound lot locations in Stewart, TN. Please check back soon for updated information. In the meantime, contact the Stewart Police Department or Stewart County Sheriff's Office for assistance in locating your vehicle.