Presidio County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Presidio

Being arrested for a DUI in Presidio, Texas is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges you now face, you also have to deal with the immediate problem of your impounded vehicle. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the process of retrieving your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. The longer you wait, the more it will cost you, so act fast!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Texas, the arresting officer typically impounds your vehicle. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. It also allows law enforcement to properly inventory the vehicle's contents and preserve any potential evidence related to your DUI charge.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is the first crucial step. Because Presidio is a Tier 3 county with no incorporated cities, your vehicle may have been towed to a location outside of Presidio itself.

Official Impound Lots in Presidio

Unfortunately, we currently have no official impound lot data for Presidio, TX. This means you'll need to contact the Presidio Police or Sheriff's Department directly.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Presidio Police/Sheriff: You'll need to contact the Presidio County Sheriff's Office to determine where your vehicle was towed.
• Presidio County Sheriff's Office Phone Number: (432) 229-3525
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide them with your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, vehicles are towed within 24 hours of the arrest. The sooner you call, the better.

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 (or someone with a valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license for any other reason, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to retrieve it for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: Find a friend or family member with a valid driver's license.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed note or document authorizing them to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf).
• The vehicle's title or registration (to prove ownership or your right to possess the vehicle).

Costs & Fees in Presidio

The costs associated with impounding your vehicle can add up quickly. It's crucial to understand these fees and act promptly to minimize them.

Typical Fees (Estimates - Confirm with Impound Lot)

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is the initial cost of towing the vehicle).
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (These fees accumulate daily, so the longer you wait, the more you'll pay).
• Administrative fees: $[0 - 50] (These are fees charged by the impound lot for processing the paperwork).
• Release fee: $[50 - 100] (A fee charged for releasing the vehicle).

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Get your car ASAP to avoid exorbitant charges!

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods. They typically accept cash or credit cards. Some might accept debit cards or money orders.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Getting your car back within the first 24 hours is ideal. This minimizes storage fees and reduces the overall cost.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You definitely want to avoid this scenario.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reaching out to loved ones for financial assistance is a common solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This absolves you of the debt but means you'll lose the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle 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: Understand that you may not be able to retrieve your vehicle immediately.
• Get release authorization first: Contact your lawyer or the Presidio County District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization before attempting to retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration).
• They'll need proof of ownership: This is usually the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and file a written claim.

Presidio Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we currently have no official impound lot data for Presidio, TX. As stated earlier, contact the Presidio County Sheriff's Office at (432) 229-3525 to locate your vehicle.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. It is essential to consult with an attorney to discuss the specifics of your DUI case and ensure your rights are protected. Good luck.