Mills County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Mills

Being arrested for DUI in Mills, Texas is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. One immediate concern is getting your vehicle back. This guide provides practical steps to help you navigate the impound process in Mills. Understanding the process and acting quickly can save you significant money and further headaches.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

In Mills, as in most of Texas, your vehicle is typically impounded after a DUI arrest for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle may be held as evidence in your case, particularly if there was an accident.
• Compliance: To ensure compliance with state and local laws regarding impaired driving.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step. It's crucial to act quickly to minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Mills

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot data for Mills, TX. Mills is a very small county, so it's likely that vehicles are towed to impound lots in neighboring counties.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Mills Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Mills County Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency directly. They will have records of where your vehicle was towed.
• Mills County Sheriff's Office:
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and case number (if you have it). This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, vehicles are towed within 24 hours of the arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is essential for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: 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: 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 license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed note authorizing them to pick up the vehicle)
• Vehicle title or registration (proving ownership)

Costs & Fees in Mills

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for planning your retrieval.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: $[Range - e.g., $25-$75] for processing the release.
• Release fee: $[Amount - e.g., $50]

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily! The longer you wait, the higher the total cost will be. Getting your car back as soon as possible is essential.

Payment Methods

Because we lack specific impound lot data, it's best to confirm accepted payment methods when you contact the impound lot. Generally, they accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

The first 24 hours are critical. Getting your car back within this timeframe will significantly reduce storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle and potentially still owe money.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle challenging.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from loved ones to cover the fees.
• Payment plans: Inquire if the impound lot offers payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you.
• 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 results in losing your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up rapidly. Procrastination will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal and financial consequences.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence, the police will need to release it before you can retrieve it from the impound lot.

• May be held longer by police: Evidence holds can last days, weeks, or even months.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the investigating officer or the District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, they have the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner must present proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide valid identification and documentation proving ownership of the vehicle.

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 during the towing or storage process.

• Document any damage immediately: Make a detailed list of any damage you find.
• Take photos: Capture photographic evidence of the damage.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager. File a written claim for compensation.

Mills Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with impound lot addresses, phone numbers, hours, and map references as this data becomes available. For now, reiterate the importance of contacting the Sheriff's office.]

Since specific impound lot data is unavailable at this time, contact the Mills County Sheriff's Office at to determine where your vehicle has been towed. They will provide you with the necessary information to begin the retrieval process.

Remember, acting quickly is crucial to minimizing costs and resolving this situation efficiently. Good luck.