Eastland County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Eastland

(dui.guide - Your Resource for DUI Information in Eastland, Texas)

Being arrested for a DUI in Eastland, Texas is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges you now face, dealing with the immediate aftermath, like getting your car back from the impound lot, can feel overwhelming. This guide provides you with practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle quickly and efficiently, minimizing expenses and further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Eastland, TX, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be considered evidence, especially if there was an accident.
• Standard Procedure: It's standard procedure following a DUI arrest.

Understanding this process is the first step in getting your car back. Time is of the essence, as daily storage fees can quickly add up.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. It will be at an official impound lot authorized by the Eastland Police Department or the Eastland County Sheriff's Office.

Official Impound Lots in Eastland

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot details for Eastland in our database yet. However, we're working on gathering that information. In the meantime, follow the steps below to find your car.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Eastland Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Eastland Police Department or the Eastland County Sheriff's Office directly.
• Eastland Police Department Phone:
• Eastland County Sheriff's Office Phone:
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your case number or arrest information ready. This will help them quickly locate where your vehicle was towed.
• Towing Timeframe: Typically, vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. The sooner you inquire, the better.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

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 policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Call the specific lot to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license for any reason, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle. They will need the following:

• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you: A signed and dated letter authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership (either the title or registration in your name).

Costs & Fees in Eastland

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. Fees can accumulate quickly, so acting fast can save you money.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to be in the range of $150 - $300.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 - $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, but expect to pay somewhere between $[range] (We are working on providing more specific data for Eastland).
• Release fee: A separate fee for releasing the vehicle, potentially around $[amount] (We are working on providing more specific data for Eastland).

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Contact the specific lot where your vehicle is located to confirm their accepted forms of payment (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, you should retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of the impound to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), 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

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

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots might offer payment plans. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating debt, but you'll lose the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal trouble and fines.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may be held longer than usual. You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the Eastland Police Department or the District Attorney's office before you can retrieve it.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner can retrieve the vehicle regardless of your DUI arrest. They will need to provide proof of ownership (registration or title) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take photos and notes of any damage.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and obtain a written record of your report. This will be important if you need to file a claim later.

Eastland Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with impound lot information as it becomes available. We will include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references when possible. Check back frequently for updates.]

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures can change. Consult with a qualified attorney in Eastland, Texas for specific legal advice regarding your DUI case and vehicle impoundment.