Foard County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Foard

Being arrested for a DUI in Foard, Texas is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. One immediate concern is often: where's my car, and how do I get it back? This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Foard County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Foard County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure, primarily done for public safety. Impounding the vehicle prevents you from potentially driving while intoxicated again and allows law enforcement to secure the vehicle as potential evidence. Knowing the process for getting your car back is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is the first step. In a rural county like Foard, there may not be a dedicated "official" impound lot operated by the county.

Official Impound Lots in Foard

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot data for Foard County. This information is being gathered. However, it's likely your vehicle was towed to a local towing company contracted by the Foard County Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Foard Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Foard County Sheriff's Office directly. Their number is likely the same as the county's general line. Try searching online for "Foard County Sheriff's Office phone number".
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and, most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of ownership, showing that the vehicle is registered to you (or the person retrieving it).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to do it.

• 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. A simple, signed note will usually suffice.
• Vehicle title or registration proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Foard

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to avoid surprises.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay around $150-300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20-50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, but expect to pay somewhere in the range of $25-$75.
• Release fee: This is a one-time fee charged to release the vehicle, often around $50.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by towing company. Contact the impound lot directly to inquire about accepted payment methods. Common options include:

• Cash
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Debit card

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the tow, to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship, explore these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider asking for assistance from loved ones.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire directly to see if this is an option.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you'll lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can lead to further legal trouble and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require special attention.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer.

• May be held longer by police: The police will notify you when the vehicle is no longer needed as evidence.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain a release authorization form from the police department.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They do not need your permission.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to present proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a claim with their insurance company, if necessary.

Foard Impound Lot Locations

[Note: As mentioned previously, we are still collecting data on specific impound lot locations in Foard County. In the meantime, please contact the Foard County Sheriff's Office for information on where your vehicle was towed.]

We will update this section with detailed information, including addresses and map references, as soon as it becomes available.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Foard, Texas, it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney.