Somervell County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Somervell

Being arrested for a DUI in Somervell, Texas is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, you’re likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. Typically, after a DUI arrest, your car is impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle and minimize expenses. Remember, time is of the essence!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Investigation: To preserve any potential evidence related to the DUI charge.
• Liability: To protect the city and county from liability should you cause an accident.

Understanding why your car was impounded is less important at this moment than knowing how to get it back. Let's get started.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step. Here's how to track it down:

Official Impound Lots in Somervell

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data available for Somervell County at this time. However, it is likely that your car was towed to a local towing company contracted by the Somervell County Sheriff's Office or local police.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Somervell Police/Sheriff: Start by calling the Somervell County Sheriff's Office or the police department of the city where you were arrested.
• Somervell County Sheriff's Office:
• 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 locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed within 24 hours of your arrest. The police should be able to tell you which impound lot it was taken to.

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 you own the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or major credit cards. Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was suspended as a result of 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 driver's license can retrieve the vehicle.
• 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 Somervell

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. These fees can add up quickly, so act fast.

Typical Fees (Estimates - Confirm with the Impound Lot)

• Towing fee: Expect this to range from $150 to $300 or more.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These can vary, potentially ranging from $25 to $75.
• Release fee: Some impound lots may charge a release fee, perhaps around $50.

IMPORTANT: These are estimates only. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm the exact fees. Storage fees accrue daily, so the longer you wait, the more you'll pay.

Payment Methods

[This section will be updated with specific payment methods accepted by Somervell County impound lots as data becomes available. For now, assume cash and major credit cards are accepted. Double check with the specific lot.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence to minimize costs.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, you should retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of it being impounded to avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. 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 directly with the impound lot manager.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up exponentially. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal trouble and fines.

Special Situations

Consider these scenarios:

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer.

• May be held longer by police: The impound lot may require a release authorization from the police department before they can release the vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Contact your attorney, or the police department directly, to obtain a release authorization form.

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: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The impound lot will likely require the registered owner to present the vehicle title or registration to verify ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Photograph any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgment of your report. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Somervell Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with detailed information on Somervell County impound lot locations, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as data becomes available. Check back regularly for updates.]

Getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Somervell County requires quick action and careful attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can minimize costs and retrieve your vehicle as smoothly as possible. Remember to contact the Somervell County Sheriff's Office or the police department in the city where you were arrested to determine the location of your vehicle. Good luck.