Kinney County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Kinney

Being arrested for DUI in Kinney, Texas is a stressful situation, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Kinney, TX. We understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons. This ensures public safety by preventing you from driving under the influence again immediately. It also allows law enforcement to secure the vehicle as potential evidence in your case. 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. Here's how to locate it:

Official Impound Lots in Kinney

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Kinney at this time. Kinney is a very small town. It's likely your vehicle was towed to a lot in a neighboring county.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Kinney Police/Sheriff: The fastest way to find your car is to contact the Kinney Police Department or the Kinney County Sheriff's Office.
• Unfortunately, we don't have contact information for the Kinney Police Department or Kinney County Sheriff's Office. You may be able to search online for contact information.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's information.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your vehicle will likely be towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Contact the authorities as soon as possible.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Getting your car back requires specific documents and adherence to impound lot policies.

Required Documents

Generally, you will need the following:

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You must provide proof of ownership.
• Proof of insurance: You need to demonstrate that the vehicle is insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay 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:

• Have someone else pick it up: Designate a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a signed note stating they have permission to pick up the vehicle), and the vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Kinney

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

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary. Check with the impound lot for specific amounts.
• Release fee: There may be a separate release fee charged by the impound lot.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Every day your car remains in the impound lot, the costs increase. Retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Contact the specific lot where your car is located to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, etc.).

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Make every effort to retrieve your car within 24 hours of impoundment to avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle is not retrieved within 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

The fees associated with impoundment can be a significant financial burden. Here are some options if you are struggling to pay:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from loved ones.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about possible payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign over the title of the vehicle to the impound lot to cover the outstanding fees. This will prevent you from incurring further debt, but you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastinating will only increase the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can result in further legal consequences.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, you will need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer or the court 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 family member or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you have your car back, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

If you find any damage, document it with photos and notes immediately.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a formal complaint if necessary.

Kinney Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we do not have specific impound lot locations for Kinney at this time. Please contact the Kinney Police Department or Kinney County Sheriff's Office to determine where your vehicle was towed. You may also be able to find this information on your paperwork from your arrest.

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the specific details of your DUI case and understand your legal rights and options. Good luck getting your car back and navigating this difficult situation.