Sherman County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Sherman

If you've just been arrested for DUI in Sherman, Texas, you're likely dealing with a lot right now. One immediate concern is probably: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides practical steps to help you navigate the vehicle impound process in Sherman.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Sherman, your vehicle is almost always impounded. This is standard procedure. The reasons for impound include:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle itself may be considered evidence, especially if an accident occurred.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability if the vehicle is left unattended and vulnerable to theft or damage.

Knowing why your car was impounded doesn't make the situation easier, but understanding the process can help you navigate it effectively. The most important thing to remember is that fees accumulate daily, so acting quickly is crucial.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. It's likely at an official impound lot used by the Sherman Police Department or the Grayson County Sheriff's Office (since Sherman is in Grayson County).

Official Impound Lots in Sherman

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot details for Sherman, TX in our current database. However, you can quickly find this information.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle:

• Call Sherman Police/Sheriff: Start by contacting the Sherman Police Department or the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office. They will have the most up-to-date information on where your vehicle was towed.
• Sherman Police Department: (Look up the official number on the Sherman, TX city website. Do not provide a placeholder number.)
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's location.
• Expect towing within 24 hours: In most cases, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

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

Be prepared to present the following:

• Valid driver's license: This is the most important document. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or someone who authorizes you).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy covering the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept both, but confirm before going.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, don't panic. You have options:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (allowing them to pick up the vehicle), and the vehicle title or registration proving ownership (or your permission).

Costs & Fees in Sherman

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to planning your retrieval strategy.

Typical Fees

While we don't have exact fee information for Sherman impound lots, here's a general range to expect:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $25 - $75
• Release fee: $50 - $100

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Delaying retrieval will significantly increase the total cost. Call the impound lot directly to get precise figures for your situation.

Payment Methods

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

Timeline

Time is of the essence when dealing with vehicle impoundment.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours of impoundment. This minimizes daily storage fees and prevents the total cost from escalating rapidly.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days or more), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees. Avoid this at all costs!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing unaffordable impound fees is a common situation. Here are some possible solutions:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest way to secure the necessary funds.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some may be willing to work with you, especially if you can demonstrate financial hardship.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This avoids accruing further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees accumulate rapidly. Procrastination will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and damage your credit.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence related to the DUI case (especially if an accident was involved), it may be held for a longer period. You will need written authorization from the investigating officer or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release 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 the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest. They will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in impound.

Document any damage immediately

Note any scratches, dents, or other damage.

Take photos

Take clear photos of the damage as evidence.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written record of your report. This will be important if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Sherman Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with specific addresses and map links for impound lots in Sherman once the data is available. For now, focus on calling the Sherman Police Department or the Grayson County Sheriff's Office to determine the exact location of your vehicle.]

Remember, retrieving your vehicle quickly is crucial to minimizing costs. Contact the Sherman Police Department or the Grayson County Sheriff's Office immediately to locate your car and understand the specific requirements for its release. Good luck.