Titus County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Titus

A DUI arrest in Titus, TX is a stressful situation, and dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One of the first things on your mind is likely: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides the practical information you need to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Titus. Time is of the essence, as fees accumulate quickly, so act fast.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Texas, law enforcement will typically impound your vehicle. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving again while impaired.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence.
• Legal Requirements: State and local laws often mandate impoundment following a DUI arrest.

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

Where Is Your Car?

The most important thing is locating your vehicle. Knowing where it is allows you to start the retrieval process and minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Titus

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Titus, TX at this time. However, here's how to find where your car is located:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Titus Police/Sheriff: This is the most direct and reliable way to find your vehicle. Call them at their non-emergency number. While we don't have the specific number, you can find it through a quick online search for "Titus County Police Department" or "Titus County Sheriff's Office."
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your case number or arrest information ready. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car will typically be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your car, gather the necessary documents and prepare for the associated costs.

Required Documents

You'll generally need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): The person retrieving the vehicle needs to have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Documentation showing the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Verify accepted payment methods with the specific lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone else with a valid license to do it for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Written authorization from you, stating they have permission to pick up the vehicle.
• Vehicle title or registration proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Titus

Retrieving your vehicle involves various fees that can add up quickly. Understanding these costs is crucial for budgeting and planning.

Typical Fees (Estimates)

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can escalate rapidly.
• Administrative fees: These fees cover paperwork and processing and can range from $[range] (check local rates to fill in the range)
• Release fee: A one-time fee charged for releasing the vehicle, typically around $[amount] (check local rates to fill in the amount)

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

Payment Methods

[This section requires information from specific Titus impound lots. If you can gather this data, list accepted payment methods for each lot (e.g., Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover).]

Timeline

Acting quickly is essential to minimize costs and avoid further complications.

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your car within 24 hours of impoundment. This will minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle and potentially still owe fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some potential options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider asking for financial assistance from loved ones.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire whether the impound lot offers payment plans to spread out the cost. This is not always available.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This avoids accumulating further debt, but you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase your financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and additional fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may require additional steps or considerations.

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

• May be held longer by police: The release of your vehicle will be contingent on the police investigation.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the investigating officer or the Titus County District Attorney's office to obtain written authorization for the vehicle's release.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

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

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved 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 impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written record of your report.

Titus Impound Lot Locations

[This section should contain a detailed list of all impound lots in Titus, TX, including:]

• Name of the impound lot
• Address
• Phone number
• Hours of operation
• Accepted payment methods
• Map references (if available)

[Since we don't have this data, direct users to search online for "Titus County TX impound lots" or "Titus TX vehicle impound".]

Getting your car back after a DUI arrest in Titus, TX can be a challenging process. By following these steps and acting quickly, you can minimize costs and retrieve your vehicle as efficiently as possible. Remember to contact the Titus Police or Sheriff's Department to locate your vehicle and gather all necessary documents before heading to the impound lot. Good luck.