Lubbock County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lubbock

A DUI arrest is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: "What happens to my car?" In Lubbock, Texas, your vehicle is typically impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Understanding the process, required documents, and associated costs can save you time, money, and further headaches.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Lubbock, your vehicle is usually impounded for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as potential evidence in your case.
• Liability: To protect the city and law enforcement from liability if something were to happen to the vehicle while unattended.

Knowing why your car was impounded is the first step in understanding the retrieval process.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle is located is crucial. It's usually taken to an official impound lot contracted by the Lubbock Police Department or the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office.

Official Impound Lots in Lubbock

[List impound lots from database with addresses, phones, hours. Example Placeholder: "Acme Towing - 123 Main Street, Lubbock, TX - (806) 555-1212 - Mon-Fri 8am-5pm"]

How to Find Your Vehicle

1. Call Lubbock Police/Sheriff: Contact the Lubbock Police Department or the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line. You can usually find the number online or by searching "Lubbock Police Department phone number."
2. Reference Your Case Number: When you call, provide your name and, most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
3. Most Vehicles Towed Within 24 Hours of Arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Contact the police or sheriff's office as soon as possible to determine its location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is essential for a smooth retrieval process. Missing documents can lead to delays and additional fees.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration: You'll need the vehicle's current registration.
• Proof of Insurance: Provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or Credit Card for Fees: Be prepared to pay the impound and storage fees. Contact the impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid driver's license, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone else to do it for you.

• Have Someone Else Pick It Up: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you (a signed note stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle).
• The vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Lubbock

Understanding the costs involved is crucial because fees accumulate quickly. Prompt action can save you a significant amount of money.

Typical Fees

• Towing Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing fee.
• Daily Storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative Fees: There may be administrative fees, ranging from $[range - Example: $25 to $75].
• Release Fee: A release fee of $[amount - Example: $50] may also apply.

IMPORTANT: Daily storage fees accumulate rapidly. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll pay.

Payment Methods

[Cash, credit card, etc. - from impound lot data if available. Example: Most impound lots in Lubbock accept cash and major credit cards, but it's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm."]

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Retrieving your car within the first 24 hours is highly recommended to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial difficulties after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options to consider if you're struggling to afford the impound fees:

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: Explore borrowing money from family or friends to cover the fees.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign Vehicle Over to Impound Lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt but means you will lose possession of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees. Act quickly.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, you may not be able to retrieve it immediately.

• May Be Held Longer by Police: The vehicle may be held for an extended period.
• Get Release Authorization First: Contact the investigating officer or the Lubbock County District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization before attempting to retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, that person has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your situation.

• Registered Owner Can Retrieve Regardless of Your Situation: The registered owner can retrieve the vehicle.
• They'll Need Proof of Ownership: They will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, 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: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take Photos: Take clear photos of the damage as evidence.
• Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager: Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager and file a claim if necessary.

Lubbock Impound Lot Locations

[Detailed list with map references if available. Example: Acme Towing 123 Main Street Lubbock, TX 79401 (806) 555-1212 [Link to Google Maps]

Best Rate Towing 456 Oak Ave Lubbock, TX 79403 (806) 555-3434 [Link to Google Maps] ]

Retrieving your car after a DUI arrest in Lubbock can be a challenging process, but by understanding the steps involved and acting quickly, you can minimize the costs and complications. Remember to gather the required documents, be prepared to pay the fees, and inspect your vehicle for damage upon retrieval. If you are facing a DUI charge, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a qualified Lubbock DUI attorney as soon as possible.