Atascosa County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Atascosa County

After a DUI arrest in Atascosa County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further offenses. Understanding the impound process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize costs and retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate this process in Atascosa County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Atascosa County, the arresting officer will arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at a designated impound lot. This is because you are no longer legally permitted to operate the vehicle. The vehicle will remain impounded until you (or someone authorized by you) retrieves it after fulfilling certain requirements and paying all associated fees. The Atascosa County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) and local police departments utilize a "rotation list" of private towing companies.

Where Is Your Car?

Unlike larger cities with a central impound facility, Atascosa County relies on private towing companies. Your vehicle will be stored at one of these lots. Identifying the correct lot is the first step to getting your car back. Here are a few potential locations:

• Finesse Towing & Recovery llc: 18139 TX-1604 Loop Lot 4, Von Ormy, TX 78073
• Auto Recovery Towing Service: 1710 Jourdanton Ave, Jourdanton, TX 78026

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should provide documentation indicating which towing company impounded your vehicle. This is the most direct way to find its location.
• Call the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office: You can contact the ACSO Jail Division at 830-769-3434 for assistance in locating your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: Providing your booking number to the ACSO or the towing companies can help them quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before the impound lot will release your vehicle, you must present specific documents and proof of ownership.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle is required.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all towing and storage fees before the vehicle is released. The $15.00 State Bond Fee is assessed on each surety bond.

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 do so on your behalf.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Atascosa County

Towing and storage fees can accumulate quickly, making it essential to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

• While the towing fee will vary, a base fee typically ranges from $150 to $285.
• Daily storage fees at Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSFs) are typically around $20.00 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The "day" often resets at midnight. A car towed at 11:30 PM and picked up at 8:00 AM the next day may be charged for two days of storage.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Some facilities accept cash, credit cards, or money orders, but policies vary.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot costs you more money.

After 30 Days

If a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. Most states, including Texas, have laws allowing this process. Do not let it reach this point, as you risk losing your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Retrieving your vehicle can be financially challenging, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options to consider if you are struggling to afford the fees:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the towing and storage costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees on your behalf.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. This creates a record of the damage and can help with any potential claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will it take to get my car back after posting bond in Atascosa County? A: Even after posting bond, the Atascosa County Jail processes releases in batches at 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. This means you may have to wait several hours, even after your bond is secured.

Q: Where is the Atascosa County Jail located? A: The Atascosa County Jail is located at 1108 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton, TX 78026. All DWI suspects are transported to this facility.

Q: Does Atascosa County have a central impound lot? A: No, Atascosa County relies on a rotation list of private towing companies. Your arrest paperwork should indicate which company towed your vehicle.