Union County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Union County

Being arrested for DUI in Union County, Tennessee, is a stressful situation, and one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. After a DUI arrest, it's standard procedure for law enforcement to impound your vehicle. This is done to ensure public safety and to preserve evidence related to your case. Understanding the process for retrieving your car is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications. This guide provides the information you need to navigate the vehicle retrieval process in Union County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, the Union County Sheriff's Office will arrange for your vehicle to be towed to a local impound lot. This happens for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: To secure the vehicle as potential evidence in your DUI case.
• Liability: To protect the Sheriff's Office from liability if the vehicle were left unattended and damaged or stolen.

Once your vehicle is impounded, you'll need to take specific steps to reclaim it. Ignoring this process will result in mounting storage fees and, eventually, the loss of your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle will most likely be taken to one of the following impound lots in the Union County area:

• PAR Towing & Transport: 306 Old Standard Hollow Ln, Newcomb, TN 37819
• RSI Towing: 224 S Broad St, New Tazewell, TN 37825

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company used.
• Call the Union County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Union County Sheriff's Office at (865) 992-6262 or (865) 992-5212. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and a description of your vehicle. They should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Have your booking number ready when you call. This will help the Sheriff's Office locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To reclaim your vehicle from the impound lot, you'll need to provide specific documents and payment.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: You'll need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, you can authorize someone else to pick it up for you. They will need:

• Their Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• A Signed Authorization Letter from You: You must provide a signed letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle Title or Registration: Proof that you own the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Union County

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Be prepared for the following:

• Towing Fee: This is a one-time fee charged by the towing company for towing your vehicle from the scene of the arrest to the impound lot. Specific towing fee data is unavailable at this time.
• Daily Storage Fee: You will be charged a daily storage fee for each day your vehicle remains at the impound lot. This fee varies by location:
• PAR Towing & Transport: Daily Fee: $N/A
• RSI Towing: Daily Fee: $N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your vehicle back. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize costs.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, but not all accept credit cards or money orders. Knowing their payment policies ahead of time will save you time and hassle.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes costs you more money. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, here are a few options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance from family or friends who may be able to help cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company to reduce the fees or challenge the validity of the charges.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and presented the required documents, you can retrieve your vehicle. Before leaving the impound lot, take these important steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Before driving away, report any damage to the lot manager in writing. This will help you if you need to file a claim later.

By following these steps, you can successfully retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Union County and minimize the financial burden associated with the impound process.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. Can I get my belongings out of the car before I retrieve it?*Generally, yes. Contact the impound lot to arrange a time to retrieve your personal belongings. You will likely need to show identification and proof of ownership.

**2. What happens if I don't retrieve my car?*If you don't retrieve your car, the impound lot can sell it to recover the towing and storage fees. You will lose ownership of the vehicle.

**3. Is there any way to get the fees waived?*It is unlikely that the fees will be waived entirely. However, you can try to negotiate with the impound lot or consult with your attorney to see if there are grounds to challenge the fees.