Houston County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Houston

Being arrested for DUI in Houston is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely wondering, "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides the immediate, practical information you need to retrieve your impounded vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Houston, your vehicle is typically impounded for two primary reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Legal Procedures: As evidence in your DUI case or due to mandatory impound laws.

Understanding this helps you prioritize getting your car back and minimizing further expenses.

Where Is Your Car?

Your car is most likely at an official impound lot in Houston. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accrue daily.

Official Impound Lots in Houston

[Important: This section would ideally be populated with data from your impound lot database. Since that data is not currently available, I'll provide placeholders. Remember to replace these with actual Houston impound lot information.]

• Placeholder Impound Lot #1:
• Address: 123 Main Street, Houston, TX
• Phone: (555) 123-4567
• Hours: 24/7
• Placeholder Impound Lot #2:
• Address: 456 Oak Avenue, Houston, TX
• Phone: (555) 987-6543
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM
• Placeholder Impound Lot #3:
• Address: 789 Pine Lane, Houston, TX
• Phone: (555) 111-2222
• Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM

Note: This list is a placeholder. Refer to Houston Police Department records for the most up-to-date information.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Houston Police/Sheriff: Locate the precinct that handled your DUI arrest and call their non-emergency line.
• Reference Your Case Number: Provide your name, date of birth, and case number (if you have it) to help them locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Towing Usually Within 24 Hours: Most vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents before you go to the impound lot will save you time and potential headaches.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: 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 information for the vehicle.
• Cash or Credit Card: Impound lots typically accept these forms of payment. Call ahead to confirm.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone else to do it for you.

• Have Someone Else Pick It Up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• A copy of the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Houston

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for planning your retrieval. Fees accumulate daily, so acting quickly is paramount.

Typical Fees

• Towing Fee: $150 - $300 (This can vary depending on the distance towed and the size of the vehicle).
• Daily Storage Fee: $20 - $50 per day.
• Administrative Fees: $[10-50] (This covers paperwork and processing).
• Release Fee: $[25-75] (A one-time fee for releasing the vehicle).

IMPORTANT: These are estimates. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their exact fees. These fees can add up rapidly, so retrieving your vehicle as soon as possible is crucial.

Payment Methods

[Important: This section should be populated with data from your impound lot database. If available, specify accepted payment methods for each impound lot.]

Generally, impound lots accept:

• Cash
• Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover are commonly accepted)
• Some may accept debit cards.

Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific impound lot before going.

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

This is the ideal timeframe to retrieve your vehicle. Doing so minimizes daily storage fees and overall cost.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days or more, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your vehicle and potentially still owe money.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign Vehicle Over to Impound Lot: This avoids accruing further debt, but you lose your vehicle. Consider this only as a last resort.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Fees accumulate daily. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning a vehicle is illegal and can result in further fines and legal trouble.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

• Get Release Authorization First: Contact the investigating officer or the District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization before going to the impound lot.

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 regardless of your DUI arrest.

• They'll Need Proof of Ownership: The registered owner will need to provide their driver's license and proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration).

After Retrieval

Check Your Vehicle

• Document Any Damage Immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take Photos: Photograph any damage as evidence.
• Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim if necessary.

Houston Impound Lot Locations

[Important: This section should be populated with detailed information from your impound lot database. This should include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and ideally, map links to each location.]

Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Houston, Texas, it is essential to consult with a qualified DUI attorney to discuss your legal options.