Kendall County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Kendall, TX

Being arrested for a DUI in Kendall, Texas is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges ahead, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of getting your vehicle back. This guide provides practical steps you can take right now to retrieve your car and minimize the costs involved.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Kendall, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. The impound is usually authorized by the arresting officer and the vehicle is towed to an official impound lot. Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding the location of your vehicle is your first priority. Time is of the essence because storage fees accrue daily.

Official Impound Lots in Kendall

Unfortunately, we don't currently have impound lot data for Kendall, TX. Please check back soon as we gather more local resources.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Since we lack specific impound lot data for Kendall, here are the best steps to locate your vehicle:

• Call Kendall Police/Sheriff: Contact the Kendall County Sheriff's Office as they likely authorized the tow. You can reach them at .
• Reference your case number: Having your case number ready will help them quickly locate information about your arrest and the location of your vehicle.
• Expect towing within 24 hours: Your vehicle is generally towed within 24 hours of your arrest. This means you should start your search immediately.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need specific documents to retrieve it. Be prepared!

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or someone you authorize) must have a valid driver's license to claim the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring the vehicle registration card.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card: Impound lots accept various payment methods, but having both cash and a credit card ensures you can pay the fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need assistance:

• Have someone else pick it up: Designate a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration. This authorization should clearly state their name and that you give them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.

Costs & Fees in Kendall

Understanding the costs associated with impounding is crucial. These fees can add up quickly, so acting fast is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees assessed by the impound lot, potentially ranging from $25 to $75.
• Release fee: A final release fee might also be charged, usually around $50.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Procrastinating will significantly increase the total cost of retrieving your vehicle.

Payment Methods

We don't yet have specific payment method information for Kendall impound lots. However, it's generally safe to assume they will accept:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

It's always a good idea to call the impound lot before going to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial for minimizing costs and preventing further complications.

Within 24 Hours

Prioritize retrieving your car within the first 24 hours to avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees. This is the most cost-effective approach.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically around 30 days, the impound lot may initiate a lien sale. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing high impound fees is a common challenge. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reaching out to loved ones for financial assistance can be a quick solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option when you contact them. However, be aware that interest may accrue on payment plans.
• 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 permanently lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: As emphasized earlier, fees escalate rapidly. Delaying retrieval will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in the DUI case, you'll need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer or the court before you can retrieve it. This may delay the process.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest. They will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take clear photographs of any damage you find. Note the date, time, and location.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and file a written complaint. This will help protect your rights if you need to pursue compensation for the damage.

Kendall Impound Lot Locations

[We are working to gather detailed impound lot location information for Kendall County and will update this section as soon as possible. In the meantime, contact the Kendall County Sheriff's Office at for assistance.]

This guide provides a starting point for navigating the vehicle retrieval process after a DUI arrest in Kendall, TX. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and explore all available options to minimize costs and complications. Good luck.