Burleson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Burleson

Being arrested for a DUI in Burleson, Texas, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal ramifications, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of your impounded vehicle. This guide provides practical steps to help you retrieve your car quickly and affordably. Time is of the essence, so read carefully and act fast to minimize expenses.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Burleson, your vehicle is usually impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent you from driving under the influence again and to ensure evidence is preserved if needed. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to avoid accumulating hefty storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is the first step. Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Burleson at this time. However, here's how to track it down:

Official Impound Lots in Burleson

Unfortunately, we currently lack specific information about official impound lots in Burleson. We are working to gather this data. In the meantime, follow the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Burleson Police/Sheriff: The most direct way to find your car is to contact the Burleson Police Department or the Burleson County Sheriff's Office. Request the contact information from the jail when you are released.
• Reference your case number: Have your case number ready when you call. This will help them locate your vehicle's impound information quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need specific documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need proof of ownership, typically in the form of the vehicle registration.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: Choose a licensed driver you trust.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration. The impound lot will likely require proof that you are authorizing this person to retrieve your car.

Costs & Fees in Burleson

Understanding the costs involved is vital to planning your retrieval strategy. Remember, these fees accumulate daily, so acting quickly will save you money.

Typical Fees (Estimates - Verify with Impound Lot)

• Towing fee: $150-300 (This can vary depending on the distance towed and the size of your vehicle.)
• Daily storage: $20-50 per day (This is where costs can quickly escalate.)
• Administrative fees: $25-$75
• Release fee: $25-$50

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Get your car ASAP to minimize costs.

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm which payment methods they accept. Generally, they accept:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Sometimes Debit Card

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial to avoid losing your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of impoundment to avoid the most significant daily storage fee accumulation.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Dealing with the financial burden of impound fees can be challenging. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Ask the impound lot if they offer payment plans to spread out the cost. While rare, it's worth asking.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign over the title to the impound lot. This avoids further debt but means you lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to additional fines and legal issues.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require special attention.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer.

• May be held longer by police: The police will notify you when the vehicle is released.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police department confirming the vehicle's release.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, they have the right to retrieve it, regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: Ensure the registered owner has the necessary documents.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these important 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 impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager. Get their name and a written acknowledgement of your complaint.

Burleson Impound Lot Locations

As mentioned earlier, specific impound lot data for Burleson is currently unavailable. We are working to update this information. Please contact the Burleson Police Department or the Burleson County Sheriff's Office to locate your vehicle.

Burleson County Court Information (For DUI Case - NOT Impound Lot):

• Burleson County Court (Lockhart): 110 S. Main Street, Room 102, [Phone: N/A]
• Burleson County Court (Huntsville): PO Box 99, [Phone: N/A]
• Burleson County Court (Caldwell): 1334 St. Hwy 21 E., [Phone: N/A]

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures are subject to change. Contact the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.