Kent County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Kent

A DUI arrest is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In Kent, Texas, like most places, your vehicle is typically impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to help you retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible. We understand you're dealing with a lot right now, and we aim to make this part of the process as straightforward as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle is impounded for several reasons. Primarily, it's to prevent you from driving while intoxicated again. It also ensures the vehicle is safely stored and prevents it from being left abandoned on the roadside, potentially causing further hazards. Understanding this process is the first step in getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is crucial. The impound lot location isn't always immediately obvious.

Official Impound Lots in Kent

Unfortunately, we currently have no specific impound lot information available for Kent, TX. This is common in smaller, rural counties. However, we can guide you on how to find it.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The fastest way to locate your vehicle is to contact the law enforcement agency that arrested you.

• Call Kent Police/Sheriff: You'll need to contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office. Unfortunately, we don't have a direct phone number available at this time. Search online for "Kent County Sheriff's Office TX" to find their contact information.
• Reference your case number: Have your case number ready when you call. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle information. This number should be on the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your vehicle is likely already at the impound lot. The sooner you start the process, the better.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, you'll need specific documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You or the person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the registered owner).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay impound and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to pick it up for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a simple signed note is usually sufficient), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Kent

Impound and storage fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the tow.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees vary, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $25-$75.
• Release fee: Another fee to release the vehicle, usually around $50.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Retrieving your car as soon as possible is crucial to minimize costs.

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, without specific impound lot data for Kent, we can't provide specific payment methods. However, most impound lots accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Some may accept debit cards. Call ahead to confirm.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You definitely want to avoid this situation.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle difficult. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire about this option when you call.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid accumulating further debt. However, you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and damage to your credit.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

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

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They'll need to provide proof of ownership (registration or title) and a valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Kent Impound Lot Locations

As stated before, we currently do not have a list of impound lots within Kent County. Follow the steps provided to contact the police department to find the correct location of your vehicle.

This guide provides the information you need to navigate the vehicle retrieval process after a DUI arrest in Kent, Texas. Remember to act quickly to minimize fees and protect your rights. Good luck.