Martin County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Martin

Being arrested for a DUI in Martin, Texas, is a stressful experience. On top of navigating the legal process, you're likely also worried about your vehicle, which is often impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical steps you can take to retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. Understanding the impound process and acting fast can save you significant money in fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Texas, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle may be held as evidence.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability if you were to cause an accident while intoxicated.

The good news is that you can get your car back. This guide will walk you through the process specific to Martin, Texas.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is the first crucial step. Since Martin, TX, is a Tier 3 county with no incorporated population, your vehicle is likely towed to a nearby impound lot contracted by Martin County or the arresting agency.

Official Impound Lots in Martin

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Martin County yet. This information will be updated as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, follow the steps below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Martin Police/Sheriff: The fastest way to locate your car is to contact the arresting agency directly. Call either the Martin County Sheriff's Office or the agency that made the arrest.
• We will provide the Martin County Sheriff's Office phone number here when available.
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy. It should contain a case number or booking number, which will help the police locate information about your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car is typically towed within 24 hours of your arrest. The sooner you start looking, the better to minimize storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): 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'll need someone else to pick up the car.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific impound lot before going.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed letter or notarized document authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. Contact the impound lot to determine their specific authorization requirements.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration).

Costs & Fees in Martin

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impound is crucial because fees accumulate quickly.

Typical Fees

The exact fees can vary, but here's a general idea of what to expect in the Martin County area:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $[0 - $50] (estimated range)
• Release fee: $[25 - $75] (estimated amount)

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. Act immediately to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

We will update this section with specific payment methods accepted by impound lots serving Martin County as soon as that information is available. In the meantime, call the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods.

Timeline

• Within 24 Hours: Retrieving your car within the first 24 hours is highly recommended to avoid additional daily storage fees.
• After 30 Days: If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your car challenging. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider asking for financial assistance from family or friends.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can result in additional fines and legal consequences.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual. You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the police department or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release the vehicle. Contact your attorney for assistance with this.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle regardless of your DUI arrest. They will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take detailed photos and videos of any damage.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim. This will help you pursue compensation for the damages.

Martin Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of impound lot locations and map references as soon as that data is available. Check back soon!]

Disclaimer: This information is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.