Calhoun County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Calhoun

Being arrested for a DUI in Calhoun, Texas is stressful enough. On top of the legal worries, you're likely wondering what happened to your car and how you can get it back. This guide provides the immediate, practical information you need to retrieve your vehicle quickly and efficiently.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Calhoun, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons. This is standard procedure. Impoundment ensures public safety, prevents you from driving under the influence again immediately, and allows law enforcement to investigate the incident thoroughly. Understanding this process is the first step towards getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is your first priority. Don't delay! Each day your car sits in the impound lot, the fees will continue to accumulate.

Official Impound Lots in Calhoun

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Calhoun yet. However, you can quickly locate your car by following these steps:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Calhoun Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find your vehicle is to contact the Calhoun Police Department or the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. They will have a record of where your vehicle was towed.
• Phone: (Find and insert accurate phone number for Calhoun Police/Sheriff here - this is crucial)
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your case number (if you have it) and any other identifying information, such as your name, date of birth, and vehicle description.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You or someone you authorize to pick up the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need proof of ownership, which is usually the vehicle registration.
• Proof of insurance: The vehicle must be insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you have a few options:

• Have someone else pick it up: The easiest solution is to have a licensed driver retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you, allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed note will usually suffice.
• Vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Calhoun

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for planning your retrieval strategy.

Typical Fees

These are estimated costs and may vary. Call the specific impound lot in Calhoun to confirm their current rates.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $
• Release fee: $

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to get your car back. Act immediately!

Payment Methods

[This section needs to be populated with information from Calhoun impound lots. Once data is available, list accepted payment methods: Cash, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Debit Card, etc.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence when dealing with vehicle impoundment.

Within 24 Hours

Your goal should be to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days in Texas), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle permanently!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial difficulties after a DUI is common. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating debt, but you will permanently lose ownership of your vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal penalties and damage your credit.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

In some cases, your vehicle may be held longer by the police if it's considered evidence in your DUI case.

• May be held longer by police: Ask your attorney if this is the case.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police department or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release your car.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a family member), they have the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can claim the vehicle even if you're the one arrested for DUI.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They'll need to present the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as proof.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Calhoun Impound Lot Locations

[This section needs to be populated with detailed information about impound lot locations in Calhoun, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references if available. This information is crucial for the guide to be truly helpful. Example:

Calhoun Impound Services 123 Main Street, Calhoun, TX 77954 (361) 555-1212 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-12pm, Closed Sunday [Link to Google Maps]

Calhoun County Towing 456 Oak Avenue, Calhoun, TX 77954 (361) 555-3434 24/7 Service [Link to Google Maps] ]

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.