Real County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Real

Being arrested for a DUI in Real, Texas is a stressful experience. Besides dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happens to your car. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle and minimize the financial burden.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Real, TX, it's standard procedure for law enforcement to impound your vehicle. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving while intoxicated again immediately.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence, especially if there was an accident.
• Liability: To protect law enforcement from liability if the vehicle is left unattended.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. The clock is ticking, as impound fees accumulate daily.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is crucial. It's usually taken to an official impound lot. Because Real is a small community with no population, there are no official impound lots located within Real.

Official Impound Lots in Real

Unfortunately, there are no official impound lots located directly within Real, TX. Your vehicle will likely be towed to a nearby town or city that services Real County. We are actively working to populate this section with specific locations.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Even without a local impound lot, you can find your car. Here's how:

• Call Real Police/Sheriff: Contact the Real County Sheriff's Office. They should know where your vehicle was towed.
• Real County Sheriff's Office Phone Number:
• Reference your case number: Provide the case number assigned to your DUI arrest. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Act fast. The sooner you start looking, the sooner you can retrieve your car and minimize storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you'll need specific documents and potentially another licensed driver.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle needs 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 was 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 car for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed statement allowing them to pick up the vehicle)
• Vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Real (or Nearest Impound Location)

Understanding the costs involved is essential for planning your retrieval. Because Real doesn't have its own impound lot, the fees will be set by the lot in the neighboring town where your vehicle was towed.

Typical Fees (Estimates)

These are estimated ranges. Confirm the exact fees with the impound lot.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where the fees can really add up!)
• Administrative fees: $25-$75 (These cover the impound lot's paperwork and processing.)
• Release fee: $50 (A one-time fee to release the vehicle.)

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. Treat this as a priority.

Payment Methods

[We are working to gather data on specific payment methods accepted by impound lots servicing Real. Common methods include cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Some may accept debit cards. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This will minimize storage fees and prevent further complications.

After 30 Days

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

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your car difficult. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Explore this option first to avoid long-term debt.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: This is a last resort. You surrender ownership of the vehicle to avoid accumulating further debt.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees accumulate exponentially. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle doesn't absolve you of the fees and could lead to further legal trouble.

Special Situations

Certain situations require extra attention.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, you'll need a release authorization from them before the impound lot will release it. Contact the Real County Sheriff's Office detective assigned to your case.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document any damage immediately

Take detailed photos of any damage.

Take photos

Photos are crucial for supporting your claim.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a formal complaint. Get everything in writing.

Real Impound Lot Locations (Servicing Real County)

[This section will be populated as we gather data on impound lots used by Real County law enforcement. Until then, contact the Real County Sheriff's Office for specific location information.]

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Real, TX, it is essential to contact an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible.