Delta County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Delta County

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Delta County, Texas, is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, you're also faced with the immediate problem of your vehicle being impounded. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to locating, retrieving, and understanding the costs associated with getting your car back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically towed and stored at a private impound lot contracted by the Delta County Sheriff's Office. Delta County does not operate its own municipal impound facility; instead, it uses a rotation system with private towing companies. The Delta County Sheriff’s Office regulates this list under Texas Occupations Code § 2308.209, ensuring that companies meet specific insurance and equipment standards to participate in the rotation.

The most crucial step is determining which specific lot your vehicle was taken to.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided documentation that includes the name and contact information for the towing company that took possession of your vehicle. Look carefully at all the documents you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Delta County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the information is missing, contact the Delta County Sheriff's Office at 200 W. Bonham St., Cooper, TX 75432. Their non-emergency number is 903-395-2146. Provide them with your name, date of arrest, and vehicle information (make, model, color, license plate number). They should be able to tell you which towing company has your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Delta County Sheriff's Office, having your booking number readily available will expedite the process. This number is assigned when you are processed at the Delta County Jail, located at 200 W. Bonham St., Cooper, TX.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather all the necessary documentation to avoid delays and additional fees. The Delta County Sheriff’s Office requires certain documentation to be presented before they authorize the release of the vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You or the person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. If your license was suspended due to the DUI arrest, you will need someone else with a valid license to pick up the car.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring either the vehicle's current registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot to determine the exact amount and accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or revoked, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle. Here's what they'll need:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: This person must possess a valid driver's license.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. The letter should include your name, their name, vehicle information (make, model, license plate), and a statement authorizing them to act as your agent.
• Vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Delta County

Towing and storage fees can quickly add up, making it crucial to act promptly. It's important to understand the potential costs involved in retrieving your vehicle.

Typical towing fees in Texas generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically run between $20 and $40 per day. An impound or administrative fee of around $50 may also be applied. These fees are unregulated by the county beyond state caps.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, starting the moment your vehicle arrives at the impound lot. Weekends and holidays can be particularly problematic, as the Delta County Sheriff's Office administration hours or tow yard policies may delay retrieval until the next business day, resulting in additional storage fees. Defendants arrested on a Friday night might not be able to retrieve their vehicles until Monday, incurring three days of storage fees.

Call the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact fees and operating hours.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Many accept cash, credit cards, or money orders, but it's essential to verify before you go.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the instant your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Contact the Delta County Sheriff's Office and the towing company as soon as possible to begin the retrieval process.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees. Do everything you can to retrieve your car before it reaches this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Seek assistance from your support network.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available (some offer this): Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth asking, even if it seems unlikely.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney familiar with Delta County procedures can sometimes negotiate with the towing company or challenge the fees in certain situations.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take these crucial steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle for any new damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take detailed photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage in writing before you leave the premises. Obtain a signed copy of the report for your records. This documentation is essential if you need to file a claim for damages later.