Coryell County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Coryell

A DUI arrest is stressful and confusing. One of the first things you're likely worried about is your vehicle. In Coryell, Texas, like most places, your car is often impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle quickly and efficiently. Time is of the essence to minimize costs!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Vehicles are impounded after a DUI arrest for several reasons. Primarily, it's to prevent the driver from continuing to operate the vehicle while intoxicated and to ensure the vehicle is safely stored pending legal proceedings. It's standard procedure, but it adds another layer of complication to an already difficult situation.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle is located is the first step. Don't delay! Daily storage fees can add up quickly.

Official Impound Lots in Coryell

Unfortunately, we don't have a specific list of official impound lots in Coryell County at this time. However, the Coryell Police Department or Sheriff's Office will be able to provide you with this information.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Coryell Police/Sheriff: The best way to find out where your car is located is to contact the law enforcement agency that arrested you. Ask them which impound lot your vehicle was towed to.
• Reference your case number: Having your case number (if you have it) will help the police quickly locate the information about your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed within 24 hours of your arrest. This helps narrow down the search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation. Make sure you have everything ready before heading to the impound lot.

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.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you (or someone else) is 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. Confirm the accepted payment methods with the specific lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

A suspended license is a common consequence of a DUI arrest. If you don't have a valid license, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to retrieve it for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid 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, and the vehicle's title or registration proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Coryell

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impound is crucial. These fees can add up quickly, so act fast.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing fee.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can escalate rapidly.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle.
• Release fee: A release fee may also be charged.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more you'll pay. Retrieval should be a top priority.

Payment Methods

Payment methods will vary by impound lot. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm whether they accept cash, credit cards, or other forms of payment.

Timeline

Time is critical in minimizing impound fees.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impound. This will minimize the accumulation of daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your 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.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest often comes with unexpected financial strain. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Asking for financial assistance from loved ones can be a viable solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the costs. Inquire about this option.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid incurring further debt. However, you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only worsen the situation.
• 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 your vehicle is considered evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer by the police.

• May be held longer by police: The police will need to complete their investigation before releasing the vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the investigating officer or the District Attorney's office to obtain written authorization for the vehicle's release.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, they are generally the only ones who can retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

After retrieving your vehicle, take these steps to protect yourself.

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 detailed photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report.

Coryell Impound Lot Locations

[Detailed list with map references if available. Since no data is available, include contact information for Coryell Police/Sheriff]

Contact the Coryell Police Department or the Coryell County Sheriff's Office for specific impound lot locations:

• Coryell Police Department:
• Coryell County Sheriff's Office:

We hope this guide helps you navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Coryell, Texas. Remember to act quickly to minimize costs and protect your rights. Good luck.