Burnet County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Burnet County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Burnet, Texas)*Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Burnet County, Texas, is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal consequences, one immediate concern is the status of your vehicle. In most DUI arrests, the vehicle you were driving is impounded. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to help you navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Remember, time is of the essence to minimize storage fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Burnet County, the arresting officer typically arranges for your vehicle to be towed and stored at an impound lot. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent the vehicle from being used unlawfully while you are in custody. The vehicle will remain impounded until you (or someone authorized on your behalf) take the necessary steps to retrieve it. This involves locating the vehicle, providing the required documentation, and paying all associated fees.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. The Burnet County Sheriff's Office typically handles DUI arrests within the county. The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork indicating the name and contact information of the towing company used. However, if you don't have this information, there are alternative ways to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The most direct way to find out where your car was towed is to carefully review the paperwork you received from the arresting officer. The name and contact information for the towing company should be clearly listed.
• Call the Burnet County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Burnet County Sheriff's Office at (512) 756-8080. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date and location of your arrest. They should be able to provide you with the name and phone number of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. The Burnet County Sheriff's Office is located at 1601 E Polk St, Burnet, TX 78611.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Burnet County Sheriff's Office, having your booking number handy can help expedite the process. This number is assigned to you when you are processed at the Burnet County Jail, located at 900 County Ln, Burnet, TX 78611; phone (512) 715-8600.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you have located your vehicle, you will need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it. The impound lot will require specific documentation to verify your ownership and authorization to take possession of the vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: You must be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees associated with the impound.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or you do not have a valid license, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed friend or family member 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.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Burnet County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's crucial 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. However, these fees can vary depending on the specific towing company and impound lot.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. It's best to call ahead to avoid any surprises when you arrive to pick up your vehicle.

Timeline

Acting quickly is essential to minimize the costs associated with impounding your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the amount you will owe. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. This means they can sell your vehicle to cover the costs. To avoid this, take action to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Ask for assistance from someone you know.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you by offering a payment plan. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees, especially if there are irregularities in the impound process.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager in writing about any damage you discovered before leaving the premises. This will help protect your rights if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Burnet County requires prompt action and attention to detail. By following these steps and seeking legal counsel when necessary, you can navigate the process effectively and minimize the financial burden. Remember, the Burnet County Sheriff's Office is located at 1601 E Polk St, Burnet, TX 78611, and can be reached at (512) 756-8080 for assistance in locating your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the Burnet County Jail typically hold arrestees before they can be released on bail? A: After bail is posted, it typically takes 2-6 hours for processing and release from the Burnet County Jail.

Q: Where can I find out about Burnet County Pretrial Services programs? A: Burnet County has a Pretrial Services office that assesses defendants for eligibility for PR bonds and monitors compliance with release conditions. Contact a local attorney for more details.

Q: If my license is suspended after a DUI arrest in Burnet County, can I get a hardship license to drive to work? A: Even if your license is suspended, you may be eligible for an Occupational Driver's License (ODL) in Texas, also known as a hardship license. A Burnet DUI attorney can assist you with this process.