Sullivan County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Sullivan, TN

Being arrested for a DUI in Sullivan, Tennessee, can be a stressful and confusing experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you also have to worry about your vehicle. Often, vehicles are impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides you with the immediate, practical information you need to retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Sullivan County, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from immediately driving again while impaired.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be held as evidence, especially if it was involved in an accident.
• Liability: To protect the arresting officers and the county from liability if something were to happen to the vehicle while it was left unattended.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. Now, let's focus on the retrieval process.

Where Is Your Car?

Knowing where your car is located is critical. Here's how to find out:

Official Impound Lots in Sullivan

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot information for Sullivan County. However, most vehicles are taken to local towing companies contracted by the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office or the police department.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Sullivan Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office or the police department that arrested you. Ask them where your vehicle was towed. You can usually find the non-emergency number online or by searching "[Sullivan County Sheriff's Office phone number]" or "[Sullivan Police Department phone number]."
• Reference your case number: Have your case number or arrest information ready when you call. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: The towing company will typically remove your vehicle from the scene of the arrest within 24 hours.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation. Be prepared to provide the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license. This is crucial.
• Vehicle registration: You need proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: You must show current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards (check with the specific lot to confirm).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

A suspended or revoked license after a DUI arrest is common. If you don't have a valid license, you have options:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed note will usually suffice.
• The vehicle title or registration (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in Sullivan

The cost of retrieving your vehicle can be significant, and fees accrue daily. It's crucial to act fast to minimize expenses.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is the initial cost of towing the vehicle.)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This fee is charged for each day the vehicle remains at the impound lot. This can add up quickly!)
• Administrative fees: $[25-75] (These fees cover paperwork and processing.)
• Release fee: $[50-100] (A fee specifically for releasing the vehicle.)

IMPORTANT: These are estimated fees. The exact costs will vary depending on the towing company and the specific circumstances of your case. Call the impound lot to confirm the exact amount due.

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, we don't have specific payment method information for Sullivan County impound lots. Call the impound lot directly to ask which forms of payment they accept (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

• Get your car immediately to avoid extra daily storage fees. Every day your car sits in the impound lot, the costs increase.

After 30 Days

• Vehicle may be sold at lien sale if not retrieved. If you fail to retrieve your vehicle within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recoup their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI is already financially straining. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Call the impound lot and ask if they offer payment plans. 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 over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further 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 potentially additional fines.

Special Situations

Certain situations require extra attention:

If Your Car Was Evidence

• May be held longer by police: If your car is considered evidence in your DUI case, it may be held by the police for a longer period.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police or the court before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse), the registered owner can retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your license status.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Sullivan Impound Lot Locations

As mentioned earlier, we do not have a specific list of impound lots for Sullivan County. However, we recommend contacting the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department or the police department that arrested you to obtain the location of your vehicle. You can also try searching online directories for towing companies in the Sullivan County area.

Remember, retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Sullivan, TN requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can navigate the process efficiently and minimize the financial burden. Good luck.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney to discuss the specific details of your DUI case.