Midland County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Midland

Being arrested for a DUI in Midland, Texas is a stressful experience. One of the first things you’re likely wondering is: what happened to my car? Unfortunately, it's common practice for vehicles to be impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to help you retrieve your vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Midland, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be considered part of the investigation, especially if there was an accident.
• Liability: Law enforcement and towing companies want to avoid liability for the vehicle.

Understanding why your car was impounded is important, but your immediate concern is getting it back. Time is of the essence because storage fees accumulate daily.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. It's likely at one of the official impound lots serving Midland.

Official Impound Lots in Midland

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Unfortunately, we don't have a complete list of all impound lots in Midland at this time. However, here's how to find out where your car is:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Midland Police/Sheriff: Contact the Midland Police Department or the Midland County Sheriff's Office. They will have a record of where your vehicle was towed.
• You can typically reach the Midland Police Department at .
• You can typically reach the Midland County Sheriff's Office at .
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your case number ready. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's information.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in calling to find its location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, gather the necessary documents for retrieval.

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.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Check with the specific lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter may suffice, but check with the impound lot).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove you are the owner or authorized to act on the owner's behalf).

Costs & Fees in Midland

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for planning your retrieval.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial towing.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: $
• Release fee: $

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. Prioritize retrieval.

Payment Methods

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Payment methods vary by impound lot. Most accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). Contact the specific impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Knowing the timeline is critical to avoid losing your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to minimize daily storage fees. This is the most cost-effective approach.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle is not claimed within a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're facing financial hardship, explore these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution to cover the immediate costs.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some may be willing to work with you, but this is not guaranteed.
• 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 avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle will not make the problem go away. It can lead to further legal consequences and damage to your credit.

Special Situations

Consider these special circumstances:

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your car is being held as evidence, it may be held longer than usual.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the investigating officer to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police department or district attorney's office allowing the vehicle's release.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can retrieve the vehicle even if you are the one who was arrested.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide their driver's license and the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written record of your report. This is crucial for filing a claim if necessary.

Midland Impound Lot Locations

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• Midland Towing & Storage: 123 Main Street, Midland, TX. Phone: (555) 123-4567. Hours: 24/7. [Link to Google Maps]

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an attorney in Midland, Texas, for advice regarding your specific situation. The information provided here is subject to change. Always verify information with the relevant authorities and impound lots.