Leon County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Leon County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Leon, TX)*A DUI arrest in Leon County, Texas, is a stressful event, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. One immediate concern is often the location and retrieval of your vehicle, which is typically impounded following the arrest. This guide provides a clear roadmap to help you navigate the process of getting your car back, outlining the necessary steps, required documentation, and associated costs in Leon County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Leon County, your vehicle is usually towed and impounded for several reasons. This ensures public safety by preventing an impaired driver from continuing to operate the vehicle. It also allows law enforcement to secure the vehicle as potential evidence in your DUI case. Following the impound, you'll need to take specific steps to reclaim your vehicle. Ignoring this process will only lead to mounting storage fees and, eventually, the potential loss of your vehicle through a lien sale.

Where Is Your Car?

Your vehicle will be stored at one of the towing company impound lots authorized to operate in Leon County. Here are two known impound lots that service Leon County:

• Falfurrias Impound Lot
• Address: E Travis St, Falfurrias, TX 78355
• Phone: (361) 325-5041
• Double G Towing
• Address: 706 S Buffalo Ave, Buffalo, TX 75831
• Phone: (936) 245-2125

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are a few ways to find out:

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes the name of the towing company and the location where your vehicle was impounded. Look carefully through all the documents you received.
• Call the Leon County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Leon County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 536-2749. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest. They may be able to provide you with information about where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: Your booking number, assigned during the booking process at the Leon County Jail, can help the Sheriff's Office locate your vehicle information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents to avoid any delays or complications.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must 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 show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all towing and storage fees before the vehicle can be released.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having a licensed friend or family member do it for you. Here's what they'll need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you: This letter should clearly state that you authorize them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. Include your name, their name, the vehicle's make and model, and the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of your ownership of the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Leon County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing fees and daily storage fees, which can quickly add up. Contact the specific towing company for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information.

Falfurrias Impound Lot and Double G Towing both operate in Leon County. However, they do not provide daily storage fees. This means that you will need to contact them directly to find out what your vehicle is being charged on a daily basis.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day, including weekends and holidays. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you will have to pay.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most impound lots accept cash, but some may also accept credit cards or money orders. Do not assume they will take a personal check.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the amount you'll owe. It is in your best interest to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed at an impound lot for an extended period (typically 30 days), the lot has the right to initiate a lien sale to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. This means they can sell your vehicle to the public, and you will lose ownership. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you on a payment plan, but this is not guaranteed.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees, especially if there are any issues with the legality of the impound.

After Retrieval

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

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the 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.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Leon County requires prompt action and careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can minimize the costs and complications involved and get back on the road as soon as possible. Remember, consulting with a qualified attorney is always recommended to protect your rights and navigate the legal complexities of a DUI charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does Falfurrias Impound Lot hold vehicles before auctioning them off? A: Generally, impound lots in Texas can begin a lien sale process after 30 days of storage. However, contact Falfurrias Impound Lot directly at (361) 325-5041 to confirm their specific policy.

Q: Can I get a temporary permit to drive my car from Double G Towing if my license is suspended? A: No, a temporary permit for this purpose is unlikely. You will need a licensed driver to retrieve the vehicle. Contact Double G Towing at (936) 245-2125 to arrange for someone with a valid license to pick up your car.

Q: What if I believe my car was illegally towed in Leon County? A: Document everything, gather evidence (photos, witness statements), and consult with a Leon County attorney immediately. They can advise you on your legal options and whether you have grounds to challenge the impound.