Stephens County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Stephens County

If you've been arrested for DUI in Stephens County, Texas, one of your immediate concerns is likely getting your vehicle back. After a DUI arrest, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for evidentiary purposes and to prevent you from driving under the influence again. Understanding the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize costs and avoid further complications. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to get your car back after a DUI arrest in Stephens County.

Where Is Your Car?

Following a DUI arrest in Stephens County, your vehicle will likely be towed to one of the following impound lots:

• Stephens County Law Enforcement Center: 210 E Dyer St, Breckenridge, TX 76424
• CD Wrecker Service: 100 E 1st St, Breckenridge, TX 76424

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your vehicle was towed, here are a few ways to locate it:

• Check Your Arrest Paperwork: The arresting officer should have provided paperwork indicating the name of the towing company and the location where your vehicle was impounded.
• Call the Stephens County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office at (254) 559-2481. Provide them with your name and date of birth, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle is located.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Your booking number can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

To retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot, you'll need to provide the following:

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: You must provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title.
• Proof of Insurance: You need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: You'll need to pay all applicable towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. However, you can authorize someone else to pick it up for you, provided they meet the following requirements:

• Have a Licensed Friend or Family Member Retrieve It: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Stephens County

Retrieving your vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. It's crucial to understand these costs to avoid surprises.

• Towing Fee: Contact CD Wrecker Service at (254) 212-2191 to confirm towing fees.

• Daily Storage Fee: Storage fees accumulate daily.

• Fees for Stephens County Law Enforcement Center are unavailable.

• Fees for CD Wrecker Service are unavailable.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment

Contact the impound lot before heading over to confirm their accepted payment methods. They typically accept:

• Cash
• Credit Card
• Money Order

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the amount you owe.

After 30 Days

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

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot About a Payment Plan: 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 Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity.

After Retrieval

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

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Carefully examine your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written record of your complaint before driving the vehicle off the lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I don't have the vehicle title with me? A: Contact the Stephens County Vehicle Registration office at 200 W Walker St, Breckenridge, TX 76424, or call (888) 368-4689 to inquire about obtaining a copy of your vehicle registration. You'll likely need to provide identification and proof of ownership.

Q: Can someone else retrieve my car for me even if I'm not in Stephens County? A: Yes, as long as they have a signed authorization letter from you, a copy of your driver's license, their valid driver's license, and the vehicle's registration or title.

Q: How long does the Stephens County Law Enforcement Center hold impounded vehicles? A: Vehicles are held until all fees are paid and the owner (or authorized representative) provides the required documentation. After a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale.