Cass County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Cass

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Cass, Texas is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you’re likely wondering what happened to your vehicle and how to get it back. This guide provides immediate, practical information on vehicle impoundment and retrieval procedures specifically for Cass County, TX.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your case.
• Liability: Ensuring the vehicle is properly stored and secured.

Understanding this process is the first step to reclaiming your vehicle and minimizing further expenses.

Where Is Your Car?

The immediate concern is locating your impounded vehicle. It's likely at an official impound lot in Cass County.

Official Impound Lots in Cass

[Important: As we gather more information, this section will be populated with a list of official impound lots in Cass County, including addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours. Check back soon!]

In the meantime, the best way to find your car is to contact the Cass County authorities.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Cass Police/Sheriff: Your best first step is to contact either the Cass County Sheriff's Office or the local police department that made the arrest. You can typically find the Sheriff's Office number online.
• Reference your case number: Have your case number or citation number ready when you call. This will help them quickly locate information about your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, you need to gather the necessary 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. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to pick up the car.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the person authorized to pick it up).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots accept various payment methods, but it's always wise to have cash or a credit card readily available.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, here's how to proceed:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend, family member, or another authorized individual with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you, clearly stating they are permitted to retrieve the vehicle.
• A copy of the vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Cass

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. Impound fees accumulate quickly, so acting fast is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: You may encounter administrative fees for processing the release of the vehicle.
• Release fee: A specific fee charged for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle. Prioritize getting your car back as soon as possible.

Payment Methods

[Important: This section will be updated with specific payment methods accepted by Cass County impound lots as we gather that information.] Typically, impound lots accept cash and major credit cards. It is best to call ahead and confirm.

Timeline

Time is of the essence. Here's a crucial timeline to keep in mind.

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This minimizes daily storage fees and overall expenses.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose the vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle challenging. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Explore borrowing funds from trusted family members or friends to cover the impound fees.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some lots may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): A last resort is to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This relieves you of the debt, but you will permanently lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination is your enemy. Fees add up exponentially with each passing day.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If law enforcement considers your vehicle evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual. Contact the investigating officer to obtain a release authorization before attempting to retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration).

After Retrieval

Once you've successfully retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document Any Damage Immediately

Document any damage with photographs and detailed notes immediately.

Take Photos

Take clear and comprehensive photos of any damage to the vehicle.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately. Obtain a written acknowledgement of your report. This is important if you need to file a claim later.

Cass Impound Lot Locations

[Important: This section will be populated with a detailed list of impound lot locations in Cass County, including addresses, phone numbers, and map references. Check back soon!]

We are committed to providing the most up-to-date and accurate information to help you navigate the vehicle retrieval process after a DUI arrest in Cass County, Texas. Check back frequently for updates.