Freestone County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Freestone

A DUI arrest in Freestone, Texas, can be a stressful and confusing experience. One immediate concern is often: "What happened to my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides practical information about vehicle impoundment and retrieval procedures specifically for Freestone County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Texas, your vehicle is typically impounded by law enforcement. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your arrest.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence related to the DUI charge.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability related to the vehicle.

Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing fees and reclaiming your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. Most vehicles are towed to an official impound lot shortly after a DUI arrest.

Official Impound Lots in Freestone

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Freestone County at this time. Please follow the steps below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Freestone Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to locate your vehicle is to contact the law enforcement agency that arrested you.

• Freestone Police/Sheriff Phone:

• Reference your case number: Provide the officer or dispatcher with your name and, if you have it, your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.

• Expect towing within 24 hours: In most cases, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in starting the search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment. Be prepared to present the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Provide current proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for payment of fees. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having someone else pick it up. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed statement authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Freestone

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impoundment is critical. Fees accumulate daily, so prompt action is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for towing.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary. Expect to pay between $ and $. Contact the impound lot for exact figures.
• Release fee: A release fee might be charged, typically around $.

IMPORTANT: These fees are estimates and can vary. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle for precise costs. Every day your car sits in the lot, the fees increase.

Payment Methods

[Gather information about accepted payment methods from each impound lot and insert here. For example: "Most impound lots in Freestone accept cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards. Contact the specific lot for details."]

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to minimizing costs and avoiding further complications.

Within 24 Hours

The best approach is to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of impoundment. This minimizes daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees. You will lose ownership of the vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing impound fees can be daunting, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Explore borrowing money from family or friends to cover the fees.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose ownership of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination only increases the fees. Take action immediately.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle will not make the problem disappear and could lead to further legal issues.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in your DUI case, the police will need to release it before you can retrieve it from the impound lot. Contact your attorney or the investigating officer to obtain a release authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

Thoroughly document any damage with photographs and written notes.

Take Photos

Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report. This documentation will be important if you need to file a claim for damages.

Freestone Impound Lot Locations

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney in Freestone County, Texas, for advice specific to your situation.