Orange County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Orange

Being arrested for a DUI in Orange, Texas, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal ramifications, you're likely worried about your car. It's common for vehicles to be impounded after a DUI arrest, and understanding how to retrieve it is crucial. This guide provides a practical overview of the process, helping you navigate the complexities and minimize costs.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Orange, TX, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving while intoxicated again.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle might be considered evidence in your case.
• Standard Procedure: It's a routine procedure following a DUI arrest to ensure compliance with state and local laws.

Understanding why your car was impounded is less important than understanding how to get it back. The sooner you act, the better, as storage fees accumulate quickly.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. It's likely at an official impound lot, but knowing which one is key.

Official Impound Lots in Orange

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Orange right now. Check back soon, as we are actively updating this information. In the meantime, follow the instructions below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Orange Police/Sheriff: Contact the Orange Police Department or the Orange County Sheriff's Office to inquire about your vehicle's location. They should have a record of where it was towed.
• Orange Police Department Phone:
• Orange County Sheriff's Office Phone:
• Reference your case number: Having your case number ready will help them locate the information more efficiently. If you don't have your case number, provide your name, date of birth, and date of arrest.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: The towing usually happens within 24 hours of your arrest, so act quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You or someone you authorize to pick up the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you or someone who has authorization.
• Proof of insurance: The vehicle must be insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can't retrieve the vehicle yourself. Here's what you can do:

• Have someone else pick it up: Ask a trusted friend or family member with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle.
• A copy of your vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Orange

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs involved is crucial.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is a typical range; actual fees may vary).
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is a typical range; actual fees may vary).
• Administrative fees: $[Range - example: $25-$50] (Fees for processing the release).
• Release fee: $[Amount - example: $25] (A fee charged for releasing the vehicle).

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more it will cost. It's best to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

Payment Methods

[This section depends on the specific impound lot. Once we have data, we will list accepted payment methods: Cash, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), etc.] Typically, most impound lots accept cash and major credit cards. Contact the impound lot directly to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of impoundment to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (usually 30 days or more), the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle and potentially still owe money if the sale doesn't cover all fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for financial assistance from trusted individuals.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Not all lots offer this, but it's worth asking.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the title of the vehicle over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This will prevent further debt accumulation, but you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up exponentially each day. Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the 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.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney 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 the District Attorney's office to release the vehicle.

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 regardless of your situation: The registered owner can retrieve the vehicle even if you were the one arrested for DUI.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to present their driver's license and vehicle registration or title as proof of ownership.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during towing or storage.
• 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 file a written claim.

Orange Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of impound lot locations in Orange, TX, once we have the data. This will include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and, if possible, a map with the locations marked. Check back soon for this information.]