Matagorda County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Matagorda

Being arrested for a DUI in Matagorda, Texas is a stressful experience. On top of the legal hurdles ahead, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of getting your vehicle back. This guide provides practical steps you can take to retrieve your impounded car quickly and efficiently. Time is of the essence – storage fees accumulate daily!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Matagorda, your vehicle is often impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: Preventing you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be needed as evidence in your case.
• Standard Procedure: Impoundment is a common practice following a DUI arrest.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

The most crucial step is locating your vehicle.

Official Impound Lots in Matagorda

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot information for Matagorda County at this time. We are actively working to gather this information. However, the following steps will help you locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Matagorda Police/Sheriff: Contact the Matagorda Police Department or the Matagorda County Sheriff's Office immediately. You can typically find their contact information online. Search for "Matagorda Police Department phone number" or "Matagorda County Sheriff's Office phone number."
• Reference Your Case Number: When you call, provide your case number (if you have it), your name, and date of arrest. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Towing Within 24 Hours: In most cases, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. The police should be able to tell you which lot it was taken to.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration: Proof that you are the registered owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of Insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or Credit Card for Fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle.

• Have Someone Else Pick It Up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the car for you.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed statement giving them permission).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Matagorda

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. The longer you wait, the higher the fees will be.

Typical Fees

• Towing Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for towing.
• Daily Storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where the costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative Fees: There may be additional administrative fees, potentially ranging from $25 to $75.
• Release Fee: A release fee might be charged, often around $50.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Retrieving your car as soon as possible is vital to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods. Generally, they accept:

• Cash
• Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
• Sometimes debit cards are accepted, but it's best to confirm.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to prevent further complications and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment 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 a DUI arrest is expensive, and the impound fees can add to the financial burden.

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: The most straightforward solution is to borrow the money from someone you know.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option.
• Sign Vehicle Over: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This will prevent further debt accumulation, but you will lose the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle could lead to additional legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

Certain situations require extra attention.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence, it may take longer to retrieve it.

• May Be Held Longer: The police will need to release the vehicle before you can get it from the impound lot.
• Get Release Authorization: Contact the investigating officer or the District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization. Present this authorization to the impound lot.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), they have the right to retrieve it.

• Registered Owner Can Retrieve: The registered owner can retrieve the vehicle regardless of your DUI arrest.
• They'll Need: Proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps.

Check Your Vehicle

• Document Any Damage: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.
• Take Photos: Take photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report Damage: Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and file a written complaint.

Matagorda Impound Lot Locations

As we collect data on specific Matagorda impound lots, this section will be updated with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references. Please check back soon for more detailed information. In the meantime, remember to contact the Matagorda Police Department or the Matagorda County Sheriff's Office to locate your vehicle.

This guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Matagorda, Texas, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced DUI attorney to protect your rights.