Kerr County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Kerr

Being arrested for a DUI in Kerr, Texas is a stressful situation. One of the first practical concerns you'll likely face is: What happened to my car? This guide provides immediate, practical information on retrieving your vehicle from impound after a DUI arrest in Kerr County. Time is of the essence, as fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Kerr, TX, the arresting officer typically has your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done for a few reasons:

• Public Safety: Prevents an intoxicated driver from getting back behind the wheel.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle itself might contain evidence related to the DUI charge.
• Liability: Protects the police department and towing company from liability if the vehicle is left unattended.

Knowing where your car is and how to get it back is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. It's likely at one of the official impound lots used by the Kerr Police Department or Kerr County Sheriff's Office.

Official Impound Lots in Kerr

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a database of specific impound lot information for Kerr County, TX. However, you can quickly find out where your vehicle is by following the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Kerr Police/Sheriff: The fastest way to find your car is to contact the Kerr Police Department or the Kerr County Sheriff's Office. Their non-emergency number is your best bet.

• Kerr Police Department:

• Kerr County Sheriff's Office:

• Reference your case number: When you call, have your arrest information readily available. Providing your name, date of birth, and especially your case number (if you have it) will help them locate your vehicle faster.

• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. If you were arrested late at night, it will likely be there the next morning.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You need proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: You need proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing 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 retrieve it for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can pick up the vehicle.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed note will usually suffice.
• Vehicle title or registration proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Kerr

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is crucial.

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. This is where costs can escalate rapidly.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with the release of the vehicle.
• Release fee: A release fee may also be charged.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot where your vehicle is located to determine their accepted payment methods. Generally, they accept:

• Cash
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Occasionally, debit cards

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of it being impounded. This minimizes the daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI charge is expensive enough. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from family or friends to cover the costs.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Contact the impound lot and inquire about payment plans. Some facilities may offer a payment arrangement to help you manage the expense.
• 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. This will relieve you of the debt, but 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 complications and additional fines.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

In some cases, the police may hold your vehicle longer if it's considered evidence in your DUI case.

• May be held longer by police: If your vehicle is being held as evidence, it will take longer to retrieve.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the police department before the impound lot will release the vehicle. Contact the officer in charge of your case.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), they have the right to retrieve it regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can claim the vehicle even if your license is suspended.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner 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

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed 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 claim.

Kerr Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we do not have a detailed list of impound lot locations for Kerr County at this time. Please contact the Kerr Police Department or Kerr County Sheriff's Office to find the specific location where your vehicle is being held.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney in Kerr County, TX, for advice regarding your specific situation.