Freestone County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Freestone County

After a DUI arrest in Freestone County, Texas, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. Your car was impounded as a standard procedure following your arrest. This guide provides the critical steps you need to take to locate, retrieve, and protect your vehicle. Acting quickly is essential to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Freestone County, the arresting officer arranges to have your vehicle towed and stored at a designated impound lot. This is done to ensure public safety and prevent the vehicle from being used illegally. The vehicle remains impounded until you, or someone authorized by you, takes the necessary steps to claim it. You are responsible for all associated towing and storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle is being held. Here are the impound lots you should contact:

• Growdon Vehicle Storage Impound: 3625 Growdon Rd, San Antonio, TX 78227. Phone: (210) 881-8440.
• Mission Wrecker Service – Car Towing & Heavy Duty Recovery: 4535 Farm to Market 1516, Converse, TX 78109. Phone: (210) 341-0333.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Use these methods to quickly locate your car:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name of the towing company and the location where your vehicle was taken. This is the fastest way to find out where your car is.
• Call the Freestone County Sheriff's Office: If you cannot find the paperwork, call the Freestone County Sheriff at (903) 389-3236. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest, and they should be able to provide information on where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When calling the Sheriff's Office, provide your booking number if you know it. This will help them locate your information more efficiently.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the required documents.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. However, there are still options:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: Ask a friend or family member with a valid driver's license to pick up the vehicle for you.
• Authorization Letter: To authorize someone else to pick up your vehicle, they will need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle. The letter should include your name, their name, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's VIN.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Freestone County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs is essential.

• Growdon Vehicle Storage Impound: Daily storage fee is not available.
• Mission Wrecker Service – Car Towing & Heavy Duty Recovery: Daily storage fee is not available.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day the vehicle is at the impound lot. Contact the specific impound lot to determine the exact amount of the daily storage fee.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Do not assume they accept a specific form of payment without verifying it first.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to determine the fees and arrange for retrieval. Every day you delay costs more money.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. Avoid this situation by acting promptly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It doesn't hurt to ask, but be aware that payment plans are not always available.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge the legality of the impoundment.

After Retrieval

Once you have paid the fees and are ready to take possession of your vehicle, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the Vehicle: Before leaving the impound lot, carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in storage.
• Document Any Damage: If you find any damage, take photos and videos as evidence.
• Report Damage to the Lot Manager: Immediately report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive the vehicle away. Obtain a copy of the written report for your records.

By following these steps, you can efficiently retrieve your vehicle and minimize any additional expenses or complications after a DUI arrest in Freestone County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot hold my car in Freestone County? A: In Texas, impound lots typically initiate a lien sale process after 30 days if the vehicle is unclaimed. Contact the specific lot holding your vehicle for their exact policy.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if my license is suspended in Freestone County? A: Yes, a licensed driver can pick up your car. They will need a signed authorization letter from you, their valid driver's license, and the vehicle's registration or title.

Q: What happens if I can't afford the impound fees in Freestone County? A: Contact the impound lot to ask about payment plans. You can also consult with a DUI attorney to see if the fees can be negotiated or challenged.