Stephens County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Stephens

Being arrested for DUI in Stephens, Texas is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely worried about your vehicle, which is often impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your car as quickly and affordably as possible. Time is of the essence, as fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Texas, the arresting officer will typically have your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your case.
• Liability: To protect the police department and the towing company from liability if the vehicle is left unattended.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding the location of your impounded vehicle is the immediate priority.

Official Impound Lots in Stephens

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Stephens County, Texas at this time. However, here's how you can find out where your vehicle is located:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Stephens Police/Sheriff: This is the most direct way. The Stephens Police Department or Stephens County Sheriff's Office should be able to tell you where your car was towed.
• Reference your case number: Have your case number (if you have it) or any paperwork from your arrest ready when you call. This will help them locate your vehicle more quickly.
• Vehicles towed within 24 hours: Typically, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is crucial for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the impound fees. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm acceptable 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 retrieve it 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 note or form – check with the impound lot).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership or your connection to the vehicle).

Costs & Fees in Stephens

Understanding the costs involved is essential for planning and budgeting.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is a common range, but can vary)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where costs quickly escalate)
• Administrative fees: $[Range - We need local data to fill this]
• Release fee: $[Amount - We need local data to fill this]

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. Act immediately.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to determine which payment methods they accept. Common methods include:

• Cash
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Debit card

Timeline

Speed is key to minimizing expenses.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of the impound to avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have 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 lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some may be willing to work with you.
• 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 further debt but means you will lose your vehicle.

What NOT to Do

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

Special Situations

Certain situations may complicate the retrieval process.

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: You will need to wait until the police release the vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Contact your attorney or the Stephens County District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization before attempting to retrieve your car.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a family member or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration).
• They'll need proof of ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, 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: Photograph any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Stephens Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with specific impound lot information for Stephens County, TX as data becomes available. Include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and a map if possible.]

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you are facing a DUI charge in Stephens, Texas, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney.