Sterling County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Sterling

Being arrested for DUI in Sterling, Texas is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One immediate concern is getting your vehicle back. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Sterling.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Sterling, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons. This is standard procedure and helps to:

• Prevent Further Offenses: Removing the vehicle prevents the potentially intoxicated driver from operating it again.
• Ensure Public Safety: Impounding the vehicle reduces the risk of accidents caused by impaired drivers.
• Hold Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself may be considered evidence in the DUI investigation.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is the first step. In a rural county like Sterling, it's crucial to act fast.

Official Impound Lots in Sterling

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot information for Sterling, TX at this time. Due to its small population, Sterling may not have a dedicated impound lot within the town itself. Your vehicle may have been towed to a neighboring county. Follow the steps below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Sterling Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Sterling County Sheriff's Office or the Sterling Police Department. They are the most likely to know where your vehicle was towed.
• Phone: Look up the current phone number for the Sterling County Sheriff's Office or the Sterling Police Department online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your arrest paperwork handy. This will include a case number, which will help the authorities quickly locate your vehicle's impound information.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: The towing company typically transports vehicles to the impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or the registered owner).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot legally drive the vehicle yourself.

• Have someone else pick it up: The easiest solution is to have a licensed and insured driver retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed note or power of attorney may be required).
• The vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Sterling

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impound is crucial. These fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is a general estimate, actual fees may vary)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is a general estimate, actual fees may vary)
• Administrative fees: $[Range] (Check with the impound lot)
• Release fee: $[Amount] (Check with the impound lot)

IMPORTANT: These are estimates, and the actual fees can vary depending on the towing company and the impound lot. Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle for exact figures. Fees accumulate daily, so retrieve your car as soon as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

Check with the specific impound lot about accepted payment methods. Most accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Some may accept debit cards.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of the impound. This will help you avoid incurring multiple days of storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your vehicle and potentially still owe money.

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: Ask for assistance from trusted family members or friends.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan to spread out the costs. Not all lots offer this, but it's worth asking.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the title of the vehicle over to the impound lot to cover the outstanding fees. This will prevent further debt accumulation, but you will permanently lose possession of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees. Act quickly to mitigate the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and could result in further legal penalties.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in the DUI investigation, you will not be able to retrieve it until they release it.

• May be held longer by police: The duration of the hold depends on the specifics of the case.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the Sterling County District Attorney's office or the investigating officer to obtain written authorization for the vehicle's release.

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 it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They'll need to present their driver's license and the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

• Document any damage immediately: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Capture photographic evidence of the damage.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report. This will be important if you need to file a claim for damages.

Sterling Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, specific impound lot information for Sterling, TX is unavailable at this time. Contact the Sterling County Sheriff's Office or the Sterling Police Department to determine where your vehicle was towed.

Remember, dealing with a DUI arrest is a complex legal process. Consult with a qualified attorney in Sterling, Texas, as soon as possible to protect your rights.