Lamb County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lamb County

If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Lamb County, Texas, you're likely dealing with a lot of stress and uncertainty. In addition to the legal ramifications, you're probably wondering about your vehicle. In most DUI arrests, the vehicle you were driving is impounded and towed. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to retrieve your vehicle from impound in Lamb County, helping you navigate this often-overlooked aspect of a DUI arrest. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate quickly.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, the arresting officer typically arranges to have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent an intoxicated person from driving the vehicle again.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself may be considered evidence in your DUI case.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability if the vehicle were left unattended and damaged or stolen.

After the vehicle is impounded, it's taken to a designated towing and storage facility. You will need to take specific steps to reclaim it.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is determining where your vehicle was towed. This information isn't always readily apparent, but here's how to find it:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes information about the towing company that impounded your vehicle. Look closely at all the documents you received at the time of your arrest. The tow company's name and contact information should be listed.
• Call the Lamb County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, contact the Lamb County Sheriff's Office using their non-emergency phone number. Explain that you were arrested for DUI and need to locate your impounded vehicle. They should be able to provide you with the name and contact information of the towing company. The Lamb County Sheriff's Office main phone number is (806) 385-7900.
• Reference your booking number: When contacting the Sheriff's Office, providing your booking number will help them quickly locate your information. This number is assigned to you during the booking process at the Lamb County Jail.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and be prepared to pay the associated fees.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or a licensed person picking it up for you): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself.
• Vehicle registration or title: You'll need to provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be in the form of the vehicle registration or the vehicle title.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees in full.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or otherwise invalid, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. Here's what you can do:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a trusted friend or family member with a valid driver's license to pick up the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. This letter should include your name, their name, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's license plate number.
• The vehicle title or registration, proving your ownership.

Costs & Fees in Lamb County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's important to be aware of the potential costs. While specific rates vary by towing company, here are some typical ranges for Texas:

Typical towing fees in Texas run $150–$300. Daily storage is usually $25–$50 per day. Fees vary by lot — call ahead to confirm before you go.

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

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most accept cash, but it's wise to verify whether they also accept credit cards or money orders. Don't assume they take a particular form of payment.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes costs you more money. Contact the towing company as soon as possible to arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the towing company can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can sell your vehicle to the public. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship and struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, here are some options to consider:

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Ask for assistance from someone you trust.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available (some offer this): Some towing companies may be willing to work with you on a payment plan, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It never hurts to ask.
• Consult with your attorney — in some cases fees can be negotiated or challenged: Your DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the towing company or challenge the fees in court, particularly if there are concerns about the legality of the impound.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take the following precautions:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the towing company's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage in writing and obtain a copy of the report for your records. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Lamb County, Texas, and minimize the financial impact of this challenging situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can I get my belongings out of my car before I retrieve it? You can usually arrange a time with the impound lot to retrieve personal belongings from your car, but you may need to provide documentation like your driver's license and proof of ownership. Call the Lamb County Sheriff's Office at (806) 385-7900 to ask about the specific procedures in Lamb County.

2What happens if I don't retrieve my car from the impound lot in Lamb County? If you don't retrieve your car, the impound lot can sell it at auction to cover the towing and storage fees after a certain period (usually 30 days). You'll also lose any equity you had in the vehicle.

3Can I contest the impoundment of my vehicle in Lamb County? If you believe the impoundment was unlawful (e.g., the police lacked probable cause for the DUI arrest), consult with a Lamb County attorney about your options for challenging the impound and potentially recovering towing and storage fees.