Roberts County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Roberts

A DUI arrest in Roberts, Texas, is a stressful and confusing experience. One immediate concern is often: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound process in Roberts after a DUI arrest.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Texas, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing an impaired driver and their vehicle from the road prevents further risk.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle may be held as evidence in your DUI case.
• Liability: The impound lot assumes responsibility for the vehicle's safekeeping.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the top priority. Unfortunately, we don't have a specific list of impound lots in Roberts yet (we're working on it!). Roberts is a very small county, so likely your vehicle was towed to a nearby city's impound lot. Here's how to find out:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Roberts Police/Sheriff: This is the most direct route. Call the Roberts County law enforcement agency that arrested you. Their number is likely available via online search.
• Reference your case number: If you have a case number from your arrest, provide it to the police/sheriff's department. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Remember: Most vehicles are towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is crucial for a smooth retrieval process. You'll typically need:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have 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: Impound lots accept various payment methods, but it's best to be prepared with both cash and a credit card.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest (which is common), you have options:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you, allowing them to retrieve the vehicle. A simple signed and dated note is usually sufficient.
• Vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Roberts

The costs associated with vehicle impound can quickly add up, so understanding them is crucial.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to be in the range of $150-$300.
• Daily storage fee: This can range from $20-$50 per day. This fee accrues daily, so prompt action is essential.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, so inquire about the specific amount.
• Release fee: A one-time fee charged for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your car. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

Since we don't have specific data on Roberts impound lots yet, it's best to be prepared with both cash and credit card. Call the impound lot ahead of time to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when dealing with vehicle impound.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of the impound. This minimizes daily storage fees and potential complications.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a specific period (often 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the accrued fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The costs of retrieving your vehicle can be overwhelming, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this possibility, but be aware of potential interest charges.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

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

Special Situations

Certain situations require additional consideration.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual. You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the police department before the impound lot will release the vehicle. Contact your attorney for assistance with this process.

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 the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take clear photos and notes of any dents, scratches, or other damage.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately. Obtain a written acknowledgment of your report. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Roberts Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we do not have a list of specific impound lot locations in Roberts, Texas, at this time. Due to the county's small size and population, vehicles are often towed to impound lots in neighboring cities.

To find the specific location where your vehicle was towed, contact the Roberts County Sheriff's Office or the arresting law enforcement agency immediately. They will be able to provide you with the name, address, and phone number of the impound lot holding your vehicle.

We are actively working to gather this information and will update this guide as soon as possible.

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Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.