Comanche County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Comanche

Being arrested for DUI in Comanche, Texas, is a stressful experience. On top of navigating the legal process, you're likely wondering what happened to your car and how to get it back. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Comanche County. Time is of the essence, as storage fees can quickly add up.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Comanche, your vehicle is typically impounded for two primary reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your arrest.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle itself may be considered evidence related to the DUI charge.

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

Where Is Your Car?

The most crucial step is locating your vehicle. It's likely at an official impound lot in or near Comanche.

Official Impound Lots in Comanche

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot data for Comanche in our database. However, we are actively working to gather this information. In the meantime, follow the steps below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Finding your car involves contacting the local authorities. Here's how:

• Call Comanche Police/Sheriff: Contact the Comanche Police Department or the Comanche County Sheriff's Office. You can find their contact information through a quick online search. Typically, you can call the non-emergency line.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and, if possible, your case number (you likely received documentation at the time of your arrest). This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your car will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest to a designated impound lot. Ask the police or sheriff's office for the name, address, and phone number of the impound lot.

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

You will typically need the following:

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you are the registered owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards (call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. Here's what you can do:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed letter is usually sufficient.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Comanche

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to planning your vehicle retrieval.

Typical Fees

Expect to pay the following types of fees:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This can vary depending on the towing company and distance).
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where costs can rapidly escalate).
• Administrative fees: $[Range] (Call the impound lot to get an exact amount).
• Release fee: $[Amount] (This is a one-time fee to release the vehicle).

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

While we don't have specific payment method data for Comanche impound lots, it is generally safe to assume they will accept:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover are commonly accepted)

Call the specific impound lot ahead of time to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoid further complications and costs.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle and may still owe fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, explore these options:

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 the possibility of a payment plan. Not all lots offer this, but it's worth asking.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This avoids accumulating further debt but means you permanently lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to additional legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

Consider these special circumstances:

If Your Car Was Evidence

• May be held longer by police: If your car is being held as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, contact the Comanche Police Department or the Comanche County District Attorney's office to obtain written authorization for the vehicle's release.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), they have the legal right to retrieve it, regardless of your license status.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these 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 the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Comanche Impound Lot Locations

[We are working to gather a detailed list of impound lots in Comanche, Texas. Please check back soon for updated information.]

While specific impound lot information is unavailable at this time, remember to contact the Comanche Police Department or the Comanche County Sheriff's Office to determine the location of your vehicle.