Duval County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Duval

Being arrested for a DUI in Duval, Texas is stressful. On top of everything else, your vehicle was likely impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to help you retrieve your car as quickly and affordably as possible. Time is of the essence, as fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be considered evidence in your case.
• Standard Procedure: Impoundment is a routine procedure following a DUI arrest.

Knowing why your car was impounded doesn't make it any easier, but understanding the process helps you navigate the retrieval process more effectively.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle.

Official Impound Lots in Duval

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a list of specific impound lots in Duval County. Duval is a Tier 3 county with a small population, so impound services might be contracted out or handled by the Sheriff's Department directly.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Since we don't have specific impound lot information yet, the best way to find your car is:

• Call Duval Police/Sheriff: Contact the Duval County Sheriff's Office. You should be able to find their non-emergency number online.
• Reference Your Case Number: Have your case number (if you have it) and driver's license information ready when you call. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Expect Towing Within 24 Hours: Typically, vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, gather the necessary documents.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of Insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or Credit Card: Impound lots accept different payment methods. Call ahead to confirm.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can't retrieve the vehicle yourself.

• Have Someone Else Pick It Up: A licensed and insured driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They Need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a signed note explaining they have your permission), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Duval

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs is crucial. Given the lack of specific data for Duval, these are estimated ranges based on common Texas impound fees:

Typical Fees

• Towing Fee: $150 - $300
• Daily Storage Fee: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative Fees: $[15-50]
• Release Fee: $[25-75]

IMPORTANT: These are estimates. Contact the impound lot directly to confirm their specific fees. The daily storage fees are particularly important, as they accumulate rapidly.

Payment Methods

[To be populated with data once available. Common methods include cash, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), and sometimes debit cards. Call ahead to confirm.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence.

Within 24 Hours

Retrieving your car within the first 24 hours is highly recommended to minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days in Texas), 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

The fees can be a significant burden, especially after a DUI arrest.

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots might offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Ask if this is an option.
• Sign Vehicle Over to Impound Lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This avoids further debt but means you lose the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Fees accumulate daily. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to additional fines and legal problems.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it might be held longer.

• Get Release Authorization First: You'll need written authorization from the police or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member), 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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document Any Damage Immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take Photos: Take photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Duval Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with data once available. We will include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references for each impound lot in Duval County.]

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for legal advice regarding your specific situation. The information provided is based on general Texas law and practices and may be subject to change. Always verify information with the relevant authorities and impound lots in Duval County.