Taylor County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Taylor County

**(dui.guide - Helping You Navigate the DUI Process in Taylor, Texas)*A DUI arrest in Taylor County brings immediate concerns, and one of the most pressing is often: "What happens to my car?" In most DUI cases, your vehicle will be impounded. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to retrieving your vehicle from the impound lot in Taylor County, minimizing fees, and understanding your rights.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Taylor, TX, the arresting officer will arrange for your vehicle to be towed and stored at an impound lot. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent an unlicensed or potentially intoxicated person from driving the vehicle. The impound is usually at the discretion of the arresting officer, who typically contacts a towing company to take the vehicle to a designated lot. You will be responsible for all towing and storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Identifying the location of your impounded vehicle is the first crucial step. Here are the official impound lots in Taylor County:

• Abilene Police Vehicle Impound: 2349 Sandy St, Abilene, TX 79601. Phone: (325) 676-6089

In addition to official impound lots, your vehicle may have been towed by a private towing company contracted by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office or the Abilene Police Department. Here are some common private towing companies in the area:

• Bruce's Towing & Recovery: 501 S 4th St, Abilene, TX 79602. Phone: (325) 721-5001
• Randy's Wrecker Services: 811 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574. Phone: (512) 365-3616
• Duval County Sheriff's Office - Impound Yard: 4994 FM1329, San Diego, TX 78384. Phone: (361) 279-6209
• Mike Bounds Towing & Recovery: 5001 Maple St, Abilene, TX 79602. Phone: (325) 695-5102
• Wilson Wrecker Service: 5249 W Stamford St, Abilene, TX 79603. Phone: (325) 603-4472

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 you with paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle.
• Call the Taylor County Sheriff's Office: Contact the Taylor County Sheriff at 450 Pecan St, Abilene, TX 79602. Phone: (325) 674-1301. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the approximate location where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference Your Booking Number: Your booking number from the Taylor County Detention Center (910 S 27th St, Abilene, TX 79602. Main phone: (325) 691-7422) can help the Sheriff's Office quickly locate your vehicle information.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to avoid delays.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration or Title: Proof of ownership is essential. Bring either the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of Insurance: You'll need to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay all towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still have someone else retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their Valid Driver's License: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid license.
• A Signed Authorization Letter from You: A notarized letter authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle Title or Registration: Proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Taylor County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's crucial to understand the costs involved. Contact the specific impound lot where your vehicle is located to confirm their exact fees.

• Abilene Police Vehicle Impound: Daily Fee: N/A

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you'll pay.

Payment

Contact the impound lot in advance at (325) 676-6089 (Abilene Police Vehicle Impound) to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most impound lots accept cash, and some may accept credit cards or money orders. Personal checks are rarely accepted.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day your vehicle remains impounded, the fees increase. Contact the impound lot as soon as possible to determine the exact amount due and arrange for retrieval.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their fees. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to cover the outstanding 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 these options:

• Contact a Family Member or Friend: Ask for assistance in covering the costs.
• Ask the Impound Lot if a Payment Plan is Available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. It's worth inquiring about this option.
• Consult with Your Attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate the fees or challenge their validity, especially if there were any irregularities in the towing or impound process.

After Retrieval

Before driving away from the impound lot, take these important steps:

• Inspect the Vehicle Immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.
• Document Any Damage with Photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report Any Damage to the Lot Manager in Writing Before You Drive Away: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgment of your report. This is crucial for filing a claim for damages.

By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Taylor County efficiently and protect your rights. Remember to act quickly to minimize fees and consult with a qualified DUI attorney for legal guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How long will the impound lot hold my vehicle in Taylor County? Generally, impound lots in Taylor County will hold vehicles for at least 30 days before initiating a lien sale. Contact the specific impound lot for their exact policy.

2Can I get my belongings out of the car before retrieving it from the Abilene Police Vehicle Impound? Yes, you can usually retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle before paying the full impound fees. Contact the Abilene Police Vehicle Impound at (325) 676-6089 to arrange a time to collect your belongings. You will likely need to provide proof of ownership.

3What if I believe the tow was illegal in Taylor County? If you believe your vehicle was improperly towed (e.g., from a legal parking spot), document the situation with photos and contact your attorney immediately. You can also file a complaint with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office.