Armstrong County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Armstrong

(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating DUI in Armstrong, TX)

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Armstrong, Texas is a stressful experience. On top of the legal worries, you're likely wondering, "Where's my car?" This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Armstrong County. We understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Texas, law enforcement officers typically impound your vehicle. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence.
• Administrative Procedures: To ensure compliance with state and local regulations.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step. Now, let's get it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car quickly is crucial because storage fees accumulate daily. The sooner you locate it, the less you'll pay.

Official Impound Lots in Armstrong

Unfortunately, we don't have a database of official impound lots in Armstrong County, Texas yet. Armstrong County is a Tier 3 county with a small population, which means there may not be a designated impound lot. The vehicle may have been towed to a nearby city or a contracted towing company's storage facility.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to find where your car is being held:

• Call Armstrong Police/Sheriff: Start by contacting the Armstrong County law enforcement agency that arrested you.
• Phone:
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy, as it will contain a case number. This will help the officer locate your vehicle information quickly.
• Vehicles are typically towed within 24 hours of arrest: The towing company usually transports vehicles to their storage lot within 24 hours of the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

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

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else with a valid license to pick it up.

• 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.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter or form from the impound lot).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership or your right to authorize release).

Costs & Fees in Armstrong

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to planning your retrieval strategy.

Typical Fees

These are estimated fees. Contact the impound lot directly for exact amounts.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $[Range - Research Typical Admin Fees in TX]
• Release fee: $[Amount - Research Typical Release Fees in TX]

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

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary. Contact the impound lot directly to confirm acceptable forms of payment (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

Time is of the essence to minimize costs.

Within 24 Hours

Try to retrieve your car within 24 hours to avoid multiple days of storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle isn't retrieved within a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial hardship is a common concern after a DUI arrest. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some are willing to work with you.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose the car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you can sign the title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up exponentially. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal penalties and additional fees.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

• May be held longer by police: If your vehicle is considered evidence in your DUI case, the police may hold it for a longer period.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the Armstrong County District Attorney's office or the arresting officer to obtain written authorization for the vehicle's release.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a parent, spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title, registration).

After Retrieval

Once you have your car back, take these 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 clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgement of your report.

Armstrong Impound Lot Locations

[Due to the lack of confirmed impound lots in Armstrong County, provide general guidance:]

Because Armstrong County is a rural area, your vehicle may have been towed to a neighboring town or city. Contact the Armstrong County Sheriff's Department to determine the specific location of your vehicle.

(Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific DUI case.)