Burnet County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Burnet

(dui.guide - Your resource for DUI information in Burnet, TX)

Being arrested for a DUI in Burnet, Texas, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. This guide provides immediate, practical information on retrieving your impounded car after a DUI arrest in Burnet. Vehicles are typically impounded after a DUI arrest to prevent further offenses and ensure public safety. This guide will walk you through the process of finding, paying for, and retrieving your vehicle.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Burnet, your vehicle is usually impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent you from driving under the influence again and to protect the public. Don't panic. This guide provides the steps you need to take to get your car back as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence because impound fees accrue daily.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. It's usually taken to an official impound lot contracted with the Burnet Police Department or Burnet County Sheriff's Office.

Official Impound Lots in Burnet

[Note: We are currently building our database of impound lots in Burnet. Please check back soon for a complete list with addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.]

How to Find Your Vehicle

Since we don't have the specific impound lot information yet, here's how to locate your car:

• Call Burnet Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find out where your car is impounded is to call the Burnet Police Department or the Burnet County Sheriff's Office.
• Burnet Police Department:
• Burnet County Sheriff's Office:
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your DUI case number ready. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Vehicles towed quickly: In most cases, your vehicle will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can get your car back, you'll need to gather the necessary documents.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) need a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot to verify acceptable payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you (a signed note stating they have permission to retrieve the vehicle).
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration (proving ownership).

Costs & Fees in Burnet

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. Impound fees can add up quickly, so acting fast is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Typically ranges from $150 to $300.
• Daily storage: Expect to pay $20 to $50 per day for storage.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, but budget for around $[25-75].
• Release fee: A flat fee to release the vehicle, generally around $[50-100].

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate daily. Every day your car remains impounded, the cost increases. Get your car back as soon as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

[Note: This section will be updated as we gather information from Burnet area impound lots. Common payment methods include cash and credit cards. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted methods.]

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoid further complications and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment. This minimizes storage fees and prevents unnecessary expenses.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This means you could lose your car entirely.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options if you're struggling to afford the impound fees:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will avoid accumulating further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination only makes the situation worse. Fees add up rapidly.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle won't make the problem disappear. It can lead to further legal issues and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney or the Burnet Police Department to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police department confirming that the vehicle is cleared for release.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The impound lot will likely require documentation showing they are the legal owner.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect the 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 and file a written complaint.

Burnet Impound Lot Locations

[Note: This section will be populated with specific impound lot information as we gather it. This will include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references. Check back soon!]

(Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.)