Angelina County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Angelina County

Being arrested for DUI in Angelina County can be a stressful and confusing experience. Besides dealing with the legal ramifications, you also need to figure out what to do with your vehicle, which is typically impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your rights regarding your impounded vehicle in Angelina County.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is usually towed and stored at a local impound lot. It's crucial to determine where your car was taken as quickly as possible to minimize storage fees. There's no central database of impounded vehicles in Angelina County, so you'll need to take a few steps to find out:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest and easiest way to find your car.
• Call the Angelina County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Angelina County Sheriff's Office. Explain that you were arrested for DUI and need to locate your impounded vehicle. They can provide the name and contact information of the towing company based on your arrest details.
• Reference your booking number: When you call, have your booking number ready. This helps the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your information and assist you. You can find your booking information on the Angelina County Jail Roster.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it. The impound lot will require specific documentation to verify ownership and ensure legal release.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license. If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need to have someone else with a valid license retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be in the form of the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current and valid insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees in full.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle off the impound lot. Here's what you need to do:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The easiest solution is to have a licensed friend or family member retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Angelina County

Retrieving your vehicle involves several costs, including towing fees, impound fees, and daily storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's important to be aware of them. Towing fees in Texas are regulated, and the base fee for a "consent" tow is capped by the state. However, "incident management" tows initiated by law enforcement can be higher if local ordinances allow.

Typical towing fees in Texas range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $22.85 per day for standard vehicles, as regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs). Remember that if a vehicle is stored for less than 12 hours, even if that period spans two calendar days, only one day of storage can be charged.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order). While state law requires VSFs to accept credit cards, cash remains the king of the impound lot. "System outages" for card readers are a common complaint. It is highly advisable to bring cash (exact change) to expedite release.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money, so act quickly.

After 30 Days

Most states, including Texas, allow the impound lot to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically after 30 days. This means the lot can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding 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, explore these options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Ask for financial assistance from someone you trust.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available (some offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans or allow you to pay the fees in installments. It doesn't hurt to ask.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot on your behalf or challenge the fees if they are excessive or unjustified.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and presented the required documents, you'll be allowed to retrieve your vehicle. Before you drive away, take these precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing, and obtain a copy of the report for your records. This will help you file a claim for compensation if necessary.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Angelina County and protect your rights.