Comal County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Comal

Being arrested for DUI in Comal, Texas, is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely facing another immediate concern: getting your car back. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Comal County, helping you navigate this challenging situation.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Comal, your vehicle is typically impounded for safety and evidentiary purposes. The police need to ensure the vehicle isn't used illegally while you're being processed and that any potential evidence inside is preserved. This impound is standard procedure, but it also means dealing with towing fees, storage costs, and the hassle of retrieval. Time is of the essence as these costs can quickly add up.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. It's crucial to act quickly to minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Comal

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a specific list of official impound lots in Comal County. We are working to gather this information and will update this page as soon as possible. In the meantime, follow the instructions below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Comal Police/Sheriff: The most direct way to find your car is to contact the Comal County Police Department or the Comal County Sheriff's Office. Ask where your vehicle was towed.

• You can find their contact information online through a search for "Comal County Police Department" or "Comal County Sheriff's Office."

• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your case number (if you have it) or your name and date of arrest. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.

• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your car will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Call as soon as possible to start the retrieval process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Having the right documents ready will make the retrieval process much smoother.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need the vehicle's current registration.
• Proof of insurance: Provide proof of valid insurance for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Check with the specific lot beforehand to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license for other reasons, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to retrieve it for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: Designate a friend or family member with a valid driver's license to retrieve the vehicle.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Comal

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for planning your retrieval.

Typical Fees

These are estimated ranges and actual fees may vary. Contact the specific impound lot for exact figures.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $[Range - to be determined based on local data]
• Release fee: $[Amount - to be determined based on local data]

IMPORTANT: Daily storage fees accumulate quickly. Delaying retrieval will significantly increase the total cost.

Payment Methods

Impound lots typically accept:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Debit Card (Check with the specific lot to confirm)

Timeline

Acting swiftly is essential to minimize costs.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours to avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This means you could lose your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle difficult, but there are options to consider.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from trusted family members or friends.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot to avoid accumulating further debt. However, this means you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up rapidly. Procrastination will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in your DUI case, the police may retain it for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: Inquire with the investigating officer about the expected release date.
• Get release authorization first: Before attempting to retrieve the vehicle, obtain written authorization from the police department confirming that it's no longer needed as evidence.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The owner will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This is crucial for the owner to claim the vehicle.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written record of your report.

Comal Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of impound lot locations in Comal County, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as soon as we have the data. Check back soon!]

We understand that this is a difficult time. This guide is intended to provide helpful information, but it is not a substitute for legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Comal County, it is important to contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible.