Castro County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Castro

Being arrested for DUI in Castro, Texas is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns you'll likely have is: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides practical information on navigating the vehicle impound process in Castro, helping you retrieve your vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Castro, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing the vehicle prevents it from being operated by someone potentially impaired again.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your DUI case, especially if there was an accident.
• Policy: Impoundment is standard procedure following a DUI arrest in Texas, to ensure compliance with state and local laws.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the immediate priority. Time is of the essence because storage fees accumulate daily.

Official Impound Lots in Castro

Unfortunately, we don't have specific data on official impound lots in Castro at this time. Castro is a small community, and impounded vehicles may be towed to nearby towns or county facilities.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Castro Police/Sheriff: Your best initial step is to contact the Castro Police Department or the Castro County Sheriff's Office. Unfortunately we don't have contact information for them at this time, but a quick internet search for "Castro County Sheriff's Office" or "Castro Police Department" should provide you with a phone number.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and, most importantly, the case number assigned to your DUI arrest. This will help them quickly locate the impound information.
• Vehicles towed within 24 hours: 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 car is located, gather the necessary documents for retrieval.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You or someone you designate must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest (which is common), you have two options:

• Have someone else pick it up: Designate a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration proving ownership (or your right to possess the vehicle).

Costs & Fees in Castro

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. These fees can add up very quickly, making prompt retrieval essential.

Typical Fees (Estimates)

Because we lack specific data for Castro, these are estimates based on Texas averages. Actual fees may vary.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $25 - $75
• Release fee: $50 - $100

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

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods. In general, most impound lots accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

Timeline

Acting quickly is critical to minimize costs.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours to avoid accruing significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your vehicle entirely if this happens.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some potential options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance to cover the immediate costs.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots might offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the title of the vehicle over to the impound lot. This avoids further debt accumulation, but you will permanently lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastinating only increases the amount you owe.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning a vehicle is illegal and can result in further penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may be held longer than usual. You'll need a release authorization from the Castro County District Attorney's office or the law enforcement agency involved before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a family member or a leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration).

After Retrieval

Once you have your car back:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take detailed photos of any damage.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Castro Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, at this time we do not have a list of Castro impound lot locations. Contacting the Castro Police Department or Castro County Sheriff's Office is your best bet for finding your car.

Remember, acting quickly and gathering the necessary documentation are essential for a smooth vehicle retrieval process after a DUI arrest in Castro, Texas. This guide provides a framework, but always confirm specific requirements and procedures with the impound lot directly. Good luck!