Crane County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Crane

Being arrested for DUI in Crane, Texas is stressful enough. On top of that, your vehicle was likely impounded. This guide will provide you with the immediate, practical information you need to retrieve your car and minimize further expenses. We understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Crane, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as evidence in your case (though this is less common).
• Standard Procedure: Impoundment is standard procedure following a DUI arrest.

Understanding why your car was impounded is less important than knowing how to get it back quickly. The longer it sits, the more it will cost you.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step.

Official Impound Lots in Crane

Unfortunately, we don't have specific data for impound lots in Crane at this time. However, we are working to gather this information. In the meantime, follow the instructions below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Crane Police/Sheriff: The fastest way to find your car is to contact the Crane Police Department or the Crane County Sheriff's Office. They will have record of where your vehicle was towed.
• Crane Police Department:
• Crane County Sheriff's Office:
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and case number (if you have it). This will help them locate the information quickly.
• Expect it to be towed quickly: Most vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is crucial for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: This can be your valid driver's license, or the valid driver's license of the person retrieving the vehicle for you.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card: Impound lots accept various payment methods to cover the fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to pick up the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the car for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization from you (a simple written note will usually suffice).
• The vehicle title or registration (proving vehicle ownership).

Costs & Fees in Crane

The costs associated with impoundment can add up quickly, so understanding them is important.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These can vary, but expect a range of around $[25-75].
• Release fee: Often a flat fee of around $[50].

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

Payment Methods

[This information will be populated once impound lot data is available. Typically, impound lots accept cash and credit cards. Some may accept debit cards or money orders.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence when dealing with impounded vehicles.

Within 24 Hours

This is the critical window. Retrieving your car within the first 24 hours will save you significant money by avoiding extra daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days or more, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your vehicle and potentially be responsible for any remaining balance.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints are understandable, but ignoring the problem will only make it worse.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment plans: Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some lots may be willing to work with you.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot: This is a last resort. You avoid accumulating further debt, but you permanently lose ownership of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: As mentioned before, fees accumulate rapidly.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle will not make the problem disappear and can result in further legal complications.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require additional attention.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may be held longer than usual.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the Crane Police Department or the Crane County Sheriff's Office to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police to release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone other than yourself (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to retrieve the vehicle.
• They'll need proof of ownership: Vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

After getting your car back, take these important steps.

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any new damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed photographs of any damage as proof.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Crane Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with detailed information for impound lots in Crane, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references, once that data is available.]

We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Crane. Remember to act quickly to minimize costs. If you have further questions, consider consulting with a local attorney.