Sumner County Vehicle Impound Guide

Navigating the Impound and Legal Process After a DUI in Sumner County, TN

If you've been arrested for a DUI in Sumner County, Tennessee, understanding the immediate logistical steps is crucial. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of what to expect, from vehicle impound to court appearances and license reinstatement.

Getting Your Vehicle Back After a Sumner County DUI

Your immediate concern after release will likely be retrieving your vehicle. Unlike some jurisdictions, Sumner County doesn't have a central police impound lot. Instead, the arresting officer will have contracted with a private towing company. The identity of this company is recorded on the Vehicle Impound Report, which you should have received at the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility at 117 West Smith Street, Gallatin, TN 37066. Check your property or ask for a copy if you don't have it.

Step 1: Obtain a Vehicle Release Form. Before heading to the tow yard, you must get a "Vehicle Release Form" (also known as a "Tow Release") from the arresting agency. If you were arrested by the Gallatin Police Department (GPD), you'll need to visit the GPD Records Division at 130 W. Franklin Street, Gallatin, during their business hours. For arrests made by the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), contact them directly for release form procedures.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation. You'll need valid proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license to obtain the release form. If your license was seized due to the DUI, bring a second licensed driver who can legally drive the vehicle off the lot.

Step 3: Head to the Tow Yard. Once you have the release form, proceed to the private tow yard identified on your Vehicle Impound Report.

Step 4: Be Prepared for Fees and Payment. Tow companies in Sumner County typically operate on a "Cash" or "Verified Funds" basis. Personal checks are almost always rejected. Be aware that state law requires business offices to be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. If you need to retrieve your vehicle outside these hours (weekends, evenings), expect to pay an "After-Hours Gate Fee," which can add $50-$100 to your bill. Failure to claim your vehicle within roughly 30 days can result in the tow company initiating the process to obtain title and sell the vehicle at auction to cover their costs.

Navigating the Sumner County Detention Facility

All custodial DUI arrests in Sumner County are processed at the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility (117 West Smith Street, Gallatin, TN 37066).

Intake and Booking: Expect the booking process to take 2-3 hours, involving fingerprinting, mugshots, and warrant checks. A medical screening is also conducted. If your BAC was excessively high (above 0.30%) or you showed signs of alcohol poisoning, you might be taken to Sumner Regional Medical Center for medical clearance before being booked.

Sober Release Policy: Even if you post bond, the jail enforces a "Sober Release" policy. This means you won't be released until you are deemed sober, either after a fixed time hold (6, 8, or 12 hours) or after passing a breath test with a BAC below 0.02%. This means an arrest at 2:00 AM could result in remaining in custody until 10:00 AM or later, even with bond posted at 4:00 AM.

Bond Information: Bond for a first-offense DUI typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. You can post a cash bond (refundable minus court costs) or use a surety bond through a bondsman (fee is usually 10% + booking fees and is non-refundable). Numerous bonding agencies are located near the jail in Gallatin.

Court Appearances at the General Sessions Court

Your DUI case will be heard at the Sumner County General Sessions Court, located at 155 East Main Street, Gallatin, TN 37066. Court sessions usually start at 9:00 AM.

Security and Access: Be aware that cell phones and electronics are prohibited inside the courthouse. Leave them in your vehicle. A strict dress code is enforced: no shorts, tank tops, hats, or sagging pants. Violating the dress code can result in being denied entry and potentially facing a Failure to Appear (FTA) warrant if you miss your docket call.

Docket Management: The morning docket is often crowded. Listen carefully when the clerk calls names. Missing your name being called can lead to a bond revocation. Cases with attorneys are often prioritized.

License Revocation and Reinstatement

Following a DUI arrest, the Tennessee Department of Safety initiates a separate administrative process regarding your driver's license.

Implied Consent Hearing: If you refused a breath or blood test, you have only 10 days to request an administrative hearing to contest the automatic one-year license revocation. This request must be filed with the Department of Safety in Nashville, typically via fax or certified mail.

Restricted License: You may be eligible for a restricted license, allowing you to drive for essential purposes. This requires a certified Restricted License Order from the General Sessions Judge, installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) from a provider like Smart Start (1315 South Water Ave, Gallatin) or Intoxalock, SR-22 insurance, and a visit to the Driver Services Center.

Reinstatement: Reinstatement is handled at the Gallatin Driver Services Center at 855 North Bluejay Way, Gallatin, TN 37066. The center is open Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, but they may stop taking new applicants as early as 2:45 PM or 4:00 PM if the queue is full. Reinstatement fees for a first offense can be $350 or more, plus administrative surcharges.

To begin the process of getting your vehicle back, immediately locate your Vehicle Impound Report and contact the Gallatin Police Department Records Division at 130 W. Franklin Street, Gallatin, during business hours to obtain the necessary Vehicle Release Form.