Milam County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Milam County

A DUI arrest in Milam County, Texas, is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often what happens to your vehicle. Typically, after a DUI arrest, your vehicle is impounded, meaning it's towed and stored at a designated lot. This guide provides practical information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the costs associated with getting your car back. Acting quickly is crucial to minimize expenses and potential complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Milam County, your vehicle is most likely taken to one of the following impound lots:

• Milam County Sheriff’s Office: 512 N Jefferson Ave, Cameron, TX 76520. Phone: (254) 697-7033
• Legacy Towing & Storage: 462 US-77, Rockdale, TX 76567. Phone: (512) 446-2722

Other towing companies that operate in Milam County include:

• Country Boy Towing & Recovery: 243 Jack Station, Moscow, TX 75960. Phone: (936) 933-3124
• D & S Towing: 4894 FM 50, Caldwell, TX 77836. Phone: (979) 820-4600
• Bartlett Towing LLC: 620 S Dalton St, Bartlett, TX 76511. Phone: (254) 230-7298

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.
• Call the Milam County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Milam County Sheriff’s Office at (254) 697-7033. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and vehicle information. Referencing your booking number can also help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Reference Your Booking Number: When you were processed at the jail, you were assigned a booking number. This number can help the Sheriff’s Office quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents to avoid delays and additional fees.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You must show current proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: A licensed friend or family member can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to pick up the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Milam County

Retrieving your vehicle involves several costs, including towing fees and daily storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to act promptly.

Based on available data:

• Milam County Sheriff’s Office: Daily Fee: $N/A
• Legacy Towing & Storage: Daily Fee: $N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses. Contact the individual impound lot to confirm the exact daily storage fee.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, but it's essential to verify whether they accept credit cards or money orders as well.

Timeline

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

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains at the impound lot, the costs increase.

After 30 Days

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

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Reach out to family members or friends who may be able to help you cover the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire about this possibility, but be aware that interest or additional fees may apply.
• Consult with Your Attorney: Discuss your financial situation with your DUI attorney. In some cases, they may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity, especially if there were any irregularities in the impound process.

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

If you find any damage, document it immediately with photographs and a written description.

Take Photos

Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report the damage to the impound lot manager as soon as possible and file a written claim before you leave the lot. This written claim is crucial for any potential future claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to get my car out of impound in Milam County? A: While there's no set deadline, acting fast is key. After about 30 days, the impound lot can begin the process of selling your car to cover the fees.

Q: Can someone else pick up my car for me if my license is suspended? A: Yes, but they need a valid license, your vehicle registration or title, proof of insurance, and a signed letter from you authorizing them to pick it up.

Q: What if I can't afford the impound fees? A: Talk to the impound lot about a payment plan or see if a friend or family member can help. Your attorney might also be able to negotiate the fees.