Parker County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Parker County

After a DUI arrest in Parker County, one of the most immediate concerns is retrieving your vehicle. When you're taken into custody, your car can't be left on the side of the road. It will be towed and impounded to ensure public safety. Understanding the process for getting your car back, the associated costs, and your rights is essential.

Where Is Your Car?

The Parker County Sheriff's Office and Weatherford Police Department use a rotation system for towing vehicles. Here are some Vehicle Storage Facilities (VSF) they may utilize:

• AA Wrecker Service, Inc.: 3601 N FM 51, Weatherford, TX 76088, Phone: 817-341-3565 (Secondary: 817-656-3100).
• Ace's Wrecker: 1233 B Linville Lane, Weatherford, TX 76086, Phone: 817-599-4111
• Cochran Towing: 520 Dennis Road, Weatherford, TX 76087, Phone: 817-661-8877
• Longhorn Wrecker: 2950 FM 920, Weatherford, TX 76088, Phone: 817-341-7676
• Miller's Wrecker: 491 Green Branch Road, Weatherford, TX 76085, Phone: 817-341-1133
• Sargent's Wrecker: 1763 North Main Street, Weatherford, TX 76086, Phone: 817-596-3566
• Silverstar Wrecker: 1825 Banks Drive, Weatherford, TX 76086, Phone: 817-901-9099

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided information about the towing company used.
• Call the Weatherford Police Department: If the Weatherford Police Department made the arrest, contact their Communications Office at 817-598-4300 to verify which wrecker service was assigned.
• Call the Parker County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by the Parker County Sheriff's Office or the Texas Highway Patrol, call the Sheriff's non-emergency dispatch line at 817-594-8845. Be prepared to provide your booking number, if available. You can search for your booking information at the Parker County Jail Search.
• Reference your booking number: This number will help the Sheriff's Office locate your records quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

The Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) will require specific documentation before releasing your vehicle.

Required Documents

• Valid government-issued photo ID: This could be a driver's license or passport.
• Proof of ownership: This can be your vehicle's registration or title.
• Payment for all applicable fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself. You have a few options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: They will need their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you, and the vehicle's title or registration.
• Hire a towing company: You can pay a licensed towing company to transport the vehicle to your home or another location.

Costs & Fees in Parker County

Retrieving your vehicle involves several potential costs. Understanding these fees can help you prepare financially.

• Tow Fee: A standard light-duty non-consent tow can cost up to $272.00.
• Daily Storage Rate: AA Wrecker Service charges $22.85 per day for vehicles 25 feet in length or less.
• Admin/Processing Fee: You may be charged up to $50.00 for a notification fee, plus a nominal municipal impound fee.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accrue daily, including weekends and holidays. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), a VSF can charge a full day of storage for any portion of a calendar day the vehicle is on the lot. However, if your vehicle is on the lot for less than 12 continuous hours spanning two calendar days, they can only charge for one day of storage.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. AA Wrecker Service accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. Electronic payment is mandated by the state.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. AA Wrecker Service is closed for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, so plan your retrieval outside of these hours.

After 14 Days

According to Texas Occupations Code § 2308, if you believe the tow was unlawful or the fees are excessive, you have the right to request a Tow Hearing. This petition must be filed within 14 calendar days of the tow with the Justice of the Peace Court that has jurisdiction over the location where the vehicle was towed. For example, if the vehicle was towed in Willow Park, you would file with Parker County JP Precinct 4, located at 5189 E. Interstate 20 Service Road North, Willow Park, TX. The filing fee is $20.00.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This typically happens after 30 days. You will lose ownership of the vehicle if it is sold.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for financial assistance to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully examine the vehicle for any new damage that may have occurred while in impound.
• Document any damage with photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: This creates a record of the damage and your notification to the facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a "No Refusal" initiative in Parker County? During certain periods, like holidays, if you refuse a breathalyzer, law enforcement can obtain a warrant to forcibly draw your blood for testing.
2. Where is the Parker County Jail located? The Parker County Jail is located at 612 Jameson St., Weatherford, TX 76086. You can call 817-594-4208 for booking/inmate information.
3. Can I get a Pre-Trial Diversion for a DUI in Parker County? No. According to the Parker County District Attorney's Office, Pre-Trial Diversion programs are not available for DWI or DUI offenses.