Pecos County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Pecos County

(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Pecos, TX) Being arrested for a DUI in Pecos County, Texas, is a stressful situation, and one of the first things you'll be concerned about is getting your car back. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible. Understanding this process is crucial, as impound fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest, the arresting officer will typically have your vehicle towed to an impound lot. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety, prevent further offenses, and allow law enforcement to secure the vehicle if it's needed as evidence. Every day your car sits in the impound lot, the fees accumulate, so acting quickly is crucial. According to Texas law, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher violates TX law § 49.04.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is the first step. Fortunately, Pecos County has established towing services.

Your car is likely at one of the following impound lots:

• Pecos Towing's Service: 133 Frontage St, Pecos, TX 79772
• Fort Stockton Towing: 2269 W Gomez Rd, Fort Stockton, TX 79735

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The name of the towing company is often written on the paperwork you received at the time of your arrest.
• Call the Pecos County Sheriff's Office: If you can't find the information on your paperwork, call the Pecos County Sheriff's Office at (432) 336-3521. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest.
• Reference your booking number: Your booking number can help the Sheriff's Office locate your vehicle information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: This is essential. If yours is suspended due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration or title: Proof that you own the vehicle. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you'll need the title.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Payment for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI, you cannot legally drive the car off the lot. You have a few options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can 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 the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Pecos County

Impound fees can add up rapidly, making it crucial to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

• Pecos Towing's Service: The daily storage fee is unavailable. Contact them at (432) 237-1050 for more information.
• Fort Stockton Towing: The daily storage fee is unavailable.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, money order).

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day costs more money.

After 30 Days

Texas law allows impound lots to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle is unclaimed for a certain period, typically 30 days. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI charge is expensive, and the added impound fees can feel overwhelming.

• Contact a family member or friend to help cover costs: Borrowing money is often the quickest solution.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay off the fees in installments.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: A DUI attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot or challenge the fees in some cases.

After Retrieval

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.
• 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: Get a signed copy of the damage report for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my belongings out of the car before I pay the impound fees? A: Typically, yes. Impound lots usually allow you to retrieve personal belongings from the vehicle before you pay the fees. However, they may require you to be escorted by an employee while you do so. Contact the specific impound lot in Pecos County to confirm their policy.

Q: What happens if I don't have the title or registration for the vehicle? A: You may be able to obtain a copy of the registration from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can visit the DPS location at 148 North Frontage Road, Pecos, TX 79772, or call them at (432) 447-3532. If you don't have the title, you may need to obtain a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the vehicle was last titled.

Q: Can the impound lot sell my car without notifying me? A: Texas law requires impound lots to notify the registered owner of the vehicle before initiating a lien sale. However, it's crucial to keep your contact information up-to-date with the Texas DMV to ensure you receive any notifications.