Howard County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Howard

Being arrested for a DUI in Howard, Texas is a stressful experience. On top of the legal worries, you're likely also wondering what happens to your vehicle. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded car and what to expect during the process. Time is of the essence to minimize fees and avoid further complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Howard, TX, your vehicle is almost always impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further offenses. The impound is a temporary holding of your vehicle. While the reasons vary slightly, the primary reasons are:

• Public Safety: Removing an intoxicated driver's vehicle from the road prevents them from continuing to drive under the influence.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself may be considered evidence related to the DUI charge.
• Liability: The impound lot assumes responsibility for the vehicle's safekeeping, reducing liability concerns for law enforcement.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is the first step. Since we don't have specific impound lot data for Howard, TX, here's how to track it down:

Official Impound Lots in Howard

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a database of official impound lots in Howard. However, the following steps will help you locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Howard Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Howard County Sheriff's Department. You should be able to find their contact information online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and any case number or citation number you received at the time of your arrest. This will help them quickly locate the impound information.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Law enforcement typically arranges for the vehicle to be towed within 24 hours of the arrest. Start your search as soon as possible.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you need to gather the necessary documents and payment.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): The person retrieving the vehicle needs to have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of ownership is essential.
• Proof of insurance: The vehicle must be insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Call the specific lot beforehand to confirm acceptable payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can pick up the car for you.
• They need: Their valid driver’s license, a signed authorization from you (a simple written note stating you authorize them to pick up the vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Howard

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to planning your retrieval.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to be between $150 and $300.
• Daily storage: This can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: These fees cover paperwork and processing.
• Release fee: A one-time fee charged for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more it will cost. Act quickly.

Payment Methods

[Information about payment methods will be included here when available from impound lot data. For now, assume both cash and major credit cards are accepted, but call ahead to confirm.]

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoid further complications.

Within 24 Hours

Retrieving your car within the first 24 hours is highly recommended to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the 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 their costs. You'll lose your car and potentially face further legal issues.

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 and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid accruing further debt. However, you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: As emphasized earlier, fees add up fast. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to additional fines and legal penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require special attention.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the investigating officer to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll likely need written authorization from the police before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), they have the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can retrieve the vehicle regardless of your DUI arrest.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They'll need to provide their driver's license and the vehicle's registration or title.

After Retrieval

After retrieving your vehicle, take these precautions:

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.

Howard Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with specific impound lot information, addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation as data becomes available. A map reference will also be included if possible.]

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you are facing a DUI charge in Howard, TX, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced DUI attorney.