Calhoun County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Calhoun County

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Calhoun County, Texas, is a stressful event, and one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. After a DUI arrest, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons: as evidence, to prevent further illegal activity, or simply because you are unable to legally drive it from the scene. Understanding the process of retrieving your car is crucial to minimize costs and avoid further complications. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to get your car back after a DUI arrest in Calhoun County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Calhoun County, your vehicle is usually towed and stored at an impound lot. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and to preserve any potential evidence related to your case. 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 in retrieving your vehicle is determining where it was towed. The arresting officer should provide you with information regarding the towing company and the location of the impound lot. However, if you don't have this information readily available, here’s how to find it:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The paperwork provided by the arresting officer should include the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest way to locate your car.
• Call the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office at (361) 553-4646. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and vehicle information, and they should be able to tell you where your car was towed.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number readily available will help them locate the information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to pick up the car.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: You'll need to pay all towing and storage fees before the vehicle can be released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid driver's license, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you: A letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. This letter should include your name, their name, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of your ownership of the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Calhoun County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to be aware of the potential costs.

Typical towing fees in Texas range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees are usually between $25 and $50 per day. These fees can vary by impound lot, so it's crucial to call ahead to confirm the exact amounts before you go to retrieve your vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize the costs.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, but it's essential to verify whether they accept credit cards or money orders. Being prepared with the correct form of payment will expedite the retrieval process.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the amount you'll owe. Contact the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office at (361) 553-4646 as soon as possible to locate the impound lot and begin the retrieval process.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. To avoid this, you must retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help cover 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's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take these important steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as proof.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim. This will help protect your rights if you need to seek compensation for the damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. How long does the impound lot have to keep my car in Calhoun County?*The impound lot will typically keep your car until the fees are paid and you provide the necessary documentation. However, after approximately 30 days, they may initiate a lien sale to recover the unpaid fees.

**2. What if I can't find the paperwork from the arresting officer in Calhoun County?*If you can't find the paperwork, contact the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office at (361) 553-4646. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and vehicle information, and they should be able to provide you with the impound lot's contact information.

**3. Can I get a refund if the impound lot damaged my car in Calhoun County?*If the impound lot damaged your car, you have the right to file a claim for compensation. Be sure to document the damage with photos and report it to the lot manager in writing before leaving the premises. Consult with an attorney to understand your legal options.