Goliad County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Goliad County

**(dui.guide - Your Resource for DUI Information)*Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Goliad County, Texas, is a stressful situation. Beyond the legal ramifications, you're also likely concerned about your vehicle. After a DUI arrest, your car is typically impounded, meaning it's towed and stored at a local impound lot. This guide provides you with the essential steps to locate, retrieve, and protect your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Goliad County. Acting quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, the arresting officer will typically arrange for your vehicle to be towed from the scene. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent the vehicle from being left unattended or potentially causing an obstruction. The vehicle is then taken to a designated impound lot where it will be stored until you (or someone authorized on your behalf) can retrieve it. Understanding where your car is located and the steps required to get it back are critical first steps after your release from jail.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding the location of your impounded vehicle is the first step in the retrieval process. Here's how to track it down in Goliad County:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork at the time of your arrest. This documentation often includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest and easiest way to find out where your car is located.

• Call the Goliad County Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency Line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Goliad County Sheriff's Office directly at (361) 645-3451. Explain that you were arrested for DUI and need to locate your impounded vehicle. They should be able to provide you with the name and contact information of the towing company.

• Reference Your Booking Number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number handy will help them locate your information more quickly. This number is assigned to you during the booking process at the Goliad County Jail, located at 701 East End St, Goliad, TX 77963.

Once you have the name and phone number of the towing company, call them to confirm their location, hours of operation, required documents, and accepted payment methods.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents to avoid any delays or complications.

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 need to 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. Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm the exact amount and accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. In this case, you'll need to authorize someone else to pick it up for you. Here's what they'll need:

• Their Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• A Signed Authorization Letter from You: You'll need to write a letter authorizing the person to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. The letter should include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's license plate number. The letter must be signed and dated.
• Vehicle Title or Registration: The person retrieving the vehicle will also need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Goliad County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand the potential costs involved.

Typical towing fees in Texas generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees can range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these are just estimates, and the actual fees may vary depending on the specific towing company and the circumstances of your case. Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their exact fees before you go.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, starting from the moment your vehicle is towed. The longer you wait to retrieve your vehicle, the more you'll have to pay.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm what forms of payment they accept. Most lots accept cash, but some may also accept credit cards or money orders. It's always best to call ahead to avoid any surprises.

Timeline

Act Immediately

As mentioned earlier, storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost of retrieving your vehicle. Therefore, it's crucial to act as quickly as possible to minimize these fees.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding towing and storage fees. To avoid this, make every effort to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and can't afford the towing and storage fees, here are some options to consider:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It doesn't hurt to ask.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge them altogether.

After Retrieval

Once you've paid the fees and retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Before leaving the impound lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in their custody.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take photos of any damage you find. This will serve as evidence if you need to file a claim for damages.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Before driving away, report any damage to the lot manager in writing. Obtain a copy of the written report for your records.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Goliad County can be a challenging process, but by following these steps, you can navigate the process efficiently and protect your rights. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to keep my car in Goliad County? A: In Texas, impound lots can initiate a lien sale after about 30 days if the vehicle is unclaimed. After that, they can sell it at auction.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I pay the fees? A: Some impound lots may allow you to retrieve essential personal belongings (like medication or work tools) before paying the fees, but they are not legally obligated to do so. It's best to call ahead and ask.

Q: What if the car isn't registered in my name? A: If the car is not registered in your name, you'll need to provide documentation proving you have the right to possess the vehicle, such as a bill of sale or power of attorney.