Lamar County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lamar County

After a DUI arrest in Lamar County, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. Law enforcement impounds vehicles to ensure public safety and to prevent the continued operation of a vehicle by someone suspected of driving under the influence. This guide provides the steps to locate, claim, and recover your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. In Lamar County, the Paris Police Department and the Lamar County Sheriff's Office rely on a rotation of private, commercial wrecker services to clear vehicles from the roadway. Your vehicle could be at any of these facilities.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork — The arresting officer should have provided documentation indicating which towing company took possession of your vehicle.
• Call the Lamar County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line — You can contact the Lamar County Sheriff's Office at their non-emergency number to inquire about the location of your vehicle.
• Reference your booking number — When you call, provide your booking number to help them quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, gather the necessary documents for retrieval. Requirements are strict to prevent theft and ensure proper release.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you)
• Vehicle registration or title
• Proof of insurance
• Payment for fees

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need the following:

• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle
• The vehicle title or registration in your name (or proof of ownership)

Costs & Fees in Lamar County

Towing and storage fees can accumulate rapidly, making it crucial to act quickly. Jerry Pitcock 24 HR Wrecker Service, one of the primary impound lots in Lamar County, charges a daily storage rate of $22.85 per day for standard vehicles. The maximum base tow rate for light-duty vehicles is $272.00. There is also a one-time administrative/processing/notification fee of $50.00.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, including weekends and holidays.

Payment

Contact the specific impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Personal checks are typically not accepted.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accumulating the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost of retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are facing financial hardship and cannot afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available. While not always offered, some lots may provide payment arrangements. Jerry Pitcock Wrecker Service offers an "amnesty" option: pay the base tow charge plus ten days of storage fees, and surrender the Certificate of Title to the wrecker service. The company will then retain the vehicle for salvage or auction, and will not proceed with hostile collection processes or report the outstanding debt to third-party credit collection agencies.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in their custody.

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot.
• Document any damage with photos.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away. This creates a record of the damage and supports any potential claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the impound lot have to hold my car? A: In Texas, impound lots can begin the process of selling your vehicle if it remains unclaimed for a certain period, typically around 30 days. Contact the lot immediately to understand their specific policies and deadlines.

Q: Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I pay to get it released? A: Yes. Jerry Pitcock Wrecker Service allows the retrieval of loose items such as clothing, papers, medications, and bags, but only to the registered owner upon presentation of a valid photo ID and proof of registration. Items physically attached or wired into the vehicle—such as aftermarket stereos, amplifiers, batteries, or custom wheels—are strictly prohibited from removal.

Q: What if I think my car was illegally towed? A: If you believe your vehicle was wrongfully impounded, you have the right to request a Tow Hearing in the Justice of the Peace (JP) Court in the specific precinct where the vehicle was towed. The request must be filed within 14 days of the tow and requires a court fee.