Burleson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Burleson County

Being arrested for DUI in Burleson County, Texas, is a stressful experience, and dealing with the impoundment of your vehicle only adds to the burden. When you're arrested for driving under the influence, the Burleson County Sheriff’s Office will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded for public safety and evidentiary purposes. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork indicating the name of the towing company and the location of the impound lot. If you don't have this information readily available, there are a few ways to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The most direct way to find your vehicle is to carefully review the paperwork you received from the arresting officer. The towing company's name and contact information should be listed.
• Call the Burleson County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Burleson County Sheriff's Office at (979) 567-4343. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest, and they should be able to provide you with the towing company's information. The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office is located at 1334 TX-21, Caldwell, TX 77836.
• Reference your booking number: Having your booking number handy when contacting the Sheriff's Office can help them locate your vehicle information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've identified the impound lot holding your vehicle, gather the necessary documents to claim it.

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, either through the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case, you have two options:

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

Costs & Fees in Burleson County

Towing and storage fees can quickly add up, so it's essential to understand the potential costs involved.

Typical towing fees in Texas range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Many lots accept cash and credit cards, but some may also accept money orders. Do not assume they take all payment types.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle. Storage fees start accumulating immediately.

After 30 Days

Under Texas law, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period, typically 30 days, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding towing and storage fees. Do everything possible to avoid this situation.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance in covering the 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. It doesn't hurt to ask, but don't expect it.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle off the impound lot, take these crucial steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: 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 scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Immediately notify the impound lot manager of any damage you find and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report. This will be essential if you need to file a claim later.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Burleson County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can navigate the process efficiently and minimize the financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the Burleson County Sheriff's Office typically take to release information about where my car was towed? A: The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office should be able to provide you with the towing information relatively quickly, often within a few hours of your arrest. Have your booking number ready to expedite the process.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to pay the impound fees in Burleson County? A: Discuss the situation with your attorney. They may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or explore other legal options. Contacting family or friends for assistance is also advisable.

Q: Can I get a personal recognizance bond to avoid impound fees in Burleson County? A: A personal recognizance bond only addresses your release from jail. It does not affect impound fees. You are still responsible for paying those fees to retrieve your vehicle, regardless of the type of bond you receive.