Upshur County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Upshur County

**(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating a DUI in Upshur, TX)*Being arrested for DUI in Upshur County, Texas, is a stressful experience, and one of the immediate concerns is often: "What happens to my car?" In most DUI arrests, the vehicle you were driving is impounded and towed. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of how to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot in Upshur County, minimizing further costs and complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, the arresting officer typically has the vehicle impounded for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent an intoxicated person from continuing to drive.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself may be considered evidence in your DUI case.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability if the vehicle were left unattended and damaged or stolen.

After the vehicle is impounded, it's towed to a designated impound lot. From that point, you, as the registered owner (or your authorized representative), are responsible for retrieving it. Ignoring the impound can lead to escalating storage fees and, eventually, the loss of your vehicle.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step in getting your car back is determining where it was towed. The arresting officer should provide you with this information, but if you don't have it, here's how to find out:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The tow company's name and contact information are usually written on the paperwork you receive from the arresting officer at the time of your DUI arrest. Look carefully at all the documents provided.
• Call the Upshur County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you cannot locate the tow company information on your paperwork, contact the Upshur County Sheriff's Office at (903) 843-2541. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and the date of your arrest, and they should be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your booking number: When you call the Upshur County Sheriff's Office, having your booking number readily available will help them locate your information more quickly. The booking number should also be on your arrest paperwork.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, contact the impound lot to confirm their specific requirements for release. However, in general, you will need the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest (or for any other reason), you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle, either through the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: You will need to pay all towing and storage fees before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: To do so, they will typically need their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you (giving them permission to pick up the vehicle), and the vehicle title or registration in your name. Contact the impound lot in advance to confirm they will accept this arrangement.

Costs & Fees in Upshur County

Towing and storage fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand the costs involved.

Typical towing fees in Texas generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees usually fall between $25 and $50 per day. However, these are just estimates.

Fees vary by impound lot. Always call the specific impound lot where your vehicle is located to confirm their exact fees before you go to pick up the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize the expense.

Payment

Call the impound lot in advance to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most impound lots accept cash, but not all accept credit cards or personal checks. Some may accept money orders or cashier's checks. Knowing this information in advance will save you time and potential frustration.

Timeline

Act Immediately

Storage fees start accruing the moment your vehicle is towed to the impound lot. Every day that passes costs you more money. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the less you will have to pay.

After 30 Days

In most states, including Texas, the impound lot has the right to initiate a lien sale if the vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period, typically 30 days. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the towing and storage fees. Do not let it reach this point.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask a family member or friend if they can help you cover the costs of retrieving your vehicle.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may be willing to work with you and offer a payment plan. It's worth asking, although they are not obligated to do so.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the impound lot to reduce the fees or challenge the validity of the charges.

After Retrieval

Before driving your vehicle away from the impound lot, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was in the impound lot's possession.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find, as this will be crucial if you need to file a claim for compensation.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager of any damage you discover and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report before you leave the premises. This is essential for protecting your rights.

This guide provides general information about retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Upshur County, Texas. However, every situation is unique, and it's always advisable to consult with a qualified attorney for personalized advice and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can I get my personal belongings out of the car before I retrieve it? Call the impound lot and ask if you can retrieve personal belongings. Some lots allow this during business hours, but policies vary. Be sure to bring identification.

2What if the car isn't registered in my name? If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you will need a notarized letter from the registered owner authorizing you to pick it up, along with a copy of their driver's license and the vehicle's title or registration.

3What happens if I just abandon the vehicle at the impound lot? If you abandon the vehicle, the impound lot will eventually sell it at auction to cover the towing and storage fees. This could negatively impact your credit rating and potentially lead to further legal complications.