Upshur County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Upshur

A DUI arrest in Upshur, Texas, can be a stressful and confusing experience. One immediate concern is often: "What happened to my car?" This guide provides immediate, practical steps to help you retrieve your vehicle from impound after a DUI arrest in Upshur County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Texas, your vehicle is often impounded for several reasons. This is primarily to ensure public safety, prevent further offenses, and allow law enforcement to conduct any necessary investigations. Knowing what to do next is crucial to minimize expenses and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After your DUI arrest, your vehicle was likely towed to an official impound lot in Upshur County. Locating it quickly is your top priority.

Official Impound Lots in Upshur

Unfortunately, we don't have specific information on impound lot locations and contact details in Upshur County at this time. However, we can guide you on how to find it.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The fastest way to locate your vehicle is to contact local law enforcement.

• Call Upshur Police/Sheriff: You can contact the Upshur County Sheriff's Office.
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your arrest information or case number ready. This will help them locate your vehicle more efficiently.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was most likely towed within 24 hours of your arrest to a designated impound lot.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation and payment. Be prepared to provide the following:

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. If your license is suspended, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you (or the registered owner) own the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific impound lot.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. You have two options:

• Have someone else pick it up: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to retrieve the vehicle.
• Vehicle title or registration proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Upshur

Impound fees can accumulate quickly, making it essential to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

Typical Fees

While we don't have exact figures for Upshur County, expect to encounter these types of fees:

• Towing fee: $150-300 (This is the initial cost to tow the vehicle.)
• Daily storage: $20-50 per day (This fee accrues daily while your car is stored at the impound lot.)
• Administrative fees: $[Range] (These are fees associated with processing the vehicle release.)
• Release fee: $[Amount] (A one-time fee charged for releasing the vehicle.)

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle and potentially face additional financial burdens.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution to secure funds.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some may allow you to pay the fees in installments.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you cannot afford the fees and don't need the vehicle, you can sign the title over to the impound lot. This releases you from the accumulating debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees you owe.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain situations may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is considered evidence in your DUI case, the police may hold it for a longer period. You will need to obtain a release authorization from the Upshur County District Attorney's office before the impound lot can release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle regardless of your circumstances. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document any damage immediately

Make detailed notes of any dents, scratches, or other damage.

Take photos

Take clear photos of the damage as proof.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Report the damage to the impound lot manager immediately and obtain a written acknowledgment of your report. This documentation may be necessary for filing a claim against the impound lot's insurance.

Upshur Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we do not have a detailed list of impound lot locations in Upshur County at this time. Your best course of action is to contact the Upshur County Sheriff's Office for that information. Check online directories as well.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific DUI case and legal options in Upshur County, Texas.