Kendall County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Kendall County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Kendall County, Texas)*Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Kendall County, Texas, is a stressful situation. Beyond the legal ramifications and potential penalties, there's the immediate problem of your vehicle. In most DUI arrests, the vehicle you were driving is impounded. This guide provides practical information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Kendall.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, the arresting officer typically has your vehicle towed to an impound lot. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle may be held as evidence in your case.
• Standard Procedure: Impoundment is a common practice following a DUI arrest in Texas.

After your arrest, you'll likely be taken to the Kendall County Jail, located at 6 Staudt St, Boerne, TX 78006 (phone: (830) 249-9721; website: https://www.kendallcountysheriff.com/). While you're dealing with the legal process, your vehicle is accumulating storage fees at the impound lot. The clock is ticking, so it's crucial to act quickly to minimize these costs.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is to determine where your vehicle was towed. The arresting officer should have provided you with information about the towing company and the location of the impound lot. If you don't have this information readily available, there are a few ways to find it.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The paperwork you received from the arresting officer should include the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the first place to look.
• Call the Kendall County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, call the Kendall County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line. They should be able to provide you with the name and location of the impound lot based on your name, date of arrest, and vehicle description.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Sheriff's Office, have your booking number ready. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it.

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'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid driver's license, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having a licensed friend or family member pick it up for you.

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: The person retrieving the vehicle will need their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you giving them permission to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration.
• They need: Their valid license, a signed authorization letter from you, vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Kendall County

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

Typical towing fees in Texas generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees are typically between $25 and $50 per day. However, these fees can vary depending on the specific impound lot.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm the accepted methods of payment. Most impound lots accept cash and major credit cards. Some may also accept money orders or cashier's checks. It's always best to call ahead to avoid any surprises.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot, the more it will cost you.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to recoup the towing and storage fees. To avoid losing your vehicle, it's crucial to retrieve it as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, there are a few options you can explore:

• Contact a family member or friend: Reach out to family members or friends who may be able to help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you by offering a payment plan. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the towing and storage fees on your behalf. This is especially true if there were any irregularities in the impoundment process.

After Retrieval

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

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager in writing before you leave the premises. This will help you file a claim if necessary.

Disclaimer: *This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Kendall County, Texas, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can advise you on your legal rights and options and help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.## Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Kendall County? A: While there isn't a specific deadline before the impound lot can sell the car, after approximately 30 days they have the legal right to begin lien sale proceedings. The sooner you retrieve it, the lower the fees.

Q: What happens if I can't afford to get my car out of impound in Kendall? A: Ask the impound lot about payment plans, consult with your attorney about fee negotiation, or seek assistance from family or friends.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if I'm still in jail in Kendall County? A: Yes, a licensed driver with your signed authorization, a copy of your ID, and the vehicle's title or registration can usually retrieve your car.