San Augustine County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in San Augustine County

A DUI arrest in San Augustine County, Texas, is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal implications, there's also the immediate concern of retrieving your vehicle. Often, after a DUI arrest, the arresting officer will have your vehicle towed and impounded. This guide provides clear, actionable steps to help you locate, claim, and retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible. Remember, time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, the law enforcement officer will typically arrange for your vehicle to be towed to an impound lot. This is done for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent an intoxicated person from continuing to drive.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be needed as evidence in your DUI case.
• Liability: To protect the vehicle from theft or damage while you are in custody.

After your arrest and booking, one of your first priorities should be determining where your car was towed.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding the location of your impounded vehicle is the first crucial step. There are several ways to determine where your car was towed in San Augustine County.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided you with paperwork that includes information about the towing company used. This is often the quickest and easiest way to find your vehicle.
• Call the San Augustine County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the paperwork or the towing information is missing, contact the San Augustine County Sheriff's Office at (936) 275-2424. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed. The San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office is located at 219 N Harrison St, San Augustine, TX 75972.
• Reference your booking number: When contacting the Sheriff's Office, having your booking number handy can help them locate your information more quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you need to gather the necessary documents and payment to retrieve it.

Required Documents

Be prepared to present the following documents to the impound lot:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. Here's what you can do:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: Ask a licensed friend or family member to retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• The vehicle title or registration, proving your ownership.

Costs & Fees in San Augustine County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, making it essential to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

Typical towing fees in Texas generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees typically range from $25 to $50 per day. However, these fees can vary by impound lot.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Don't assume they take credit cards; calling ahead will save you a trip.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total cost. Contact the impound lot as soon as you are released and able to do so.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with a DUI attorney: In some cases, a DUI attorney may be able to negotiate the fees with the impound lot or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

Before leaving the impound lot with your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in the impound lot.

• Document any damage immediately: Note any scratches, dents, or missing parts.
• Take photos: Capture photographic evidence of the damage.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report. This is crucial for filing a claim later if necessary.

Remember, acting quickly and being prepared is key to retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in San Augustine. Don't hesitate to seek legal counsel to understand your rights and navigate the legal process. Good luck.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. How long does the impound lot have to keep my vehicle in San Augustine County?*Texas law generally allows impound lots to initiate a lien sale after 30 days if the vehicle remains unclaimed. Contact the specific lot holding your vehicle to confirm their exact policy.

**2. Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I pay the impound fees in San Augustine County?*Some impound lots may allow you to retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle before paying the fees, but this is at their discretion. Call the impound lot in advance to inquire about their policy. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership and a detailed list of the items you wish to retrieve.

**3. What if the impound lot is closed when I get there in San Augustine County?*Impound lots typically have specific operating hours. If you arrive after hours, you will need to wait until they reopen to retrieve your vehicle. Call the impound lot to confirm their hours of operation before you go.