Robertson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Robertson

Being arrested for a DUI in Robertson, Texas is a stressful situation, and one of the first things on your mind is likely, "What happened to my car?" This guide is designed to provide you with immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle in Robertson County. Knowing the process and acting quickly can save you significant money in fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Robertson, TX, your vehicle is almost always impounded. This is standard procedure for a few reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from immediately driving again while impaired.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your case.
• Liability: The arresting officer ensures the vehicle is safely stored and doesn't pose a hazard.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is the crucial first step.

Official Impound Lots in Robertson

Unfortunately, we currently don't have specific impound lot information for Robertson County. This information will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Since we don't have a specific list of impound lots yet, here's how to locate your vehicle:

• Call Robertson Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find your car is to contact the law enforcement agency that arrested you. They will have the information about where your vehicle was towed.
• You can reach the Robertson County Sheriff's Office at .
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your arrest paperwork handy. Your case number will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the registered owner).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to pick it up for you.

• 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.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they have your permission to pick up the vehicle).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Robertson

Understanding the costs involved is critical. These fees can add up quickly.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Storage fees usually range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These can vary, but expect to pay somewhere in the range of $.
• Release fee: A one-time fee to release the vehicle, typically around $.

IMPORTANT: Remember that daily storage fees accumulate quickly. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to determine their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards or money orders, but confirm this beforehand.

Timeline

Time is of the essence. Understanding the timeline will help you avoid unnecessary costs.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within approximately 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial difficulties after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Asking for assistance from loved ones can be a quick solution.
• Payment plans: 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: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose the car.

What NOT to Do

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

Special Situations

Certain situations may require additional steps.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: The length of time depends on the specifics of your case.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, contact the police department or the District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), they have the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: Their DUI arrest does not prevent the registered owner from claiming the vehicle.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to present the vehicle title and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you have your car back, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Document the damage with clear photographs.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager in writing. This will help you file a claim if necessary.

Robertson Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of impound lot locations in Robertson County, Texas, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and a map reference (if available). This data needs to be researched and added.]

We understand that dealing with a DUI arrest is overwhelming. This guide is intended to provide you with the information you need to navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle. Remember to act quickly to minimize fees and protect your rights.