Upton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Upton

Being arrested for a DUI in Upton, Texas, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges ahead, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of getting your vehicle back. This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your impounded car in Upton, minimizing further costs and complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Texas, your vehicle is often impounded for several reasons. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety, prevent further offenses, and allow law enforcement to conduct any necessary investigations. Knowing the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to avoid accumulating storage fees and potential loss of your car.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step. Since Upton is in a Tier 3 county with a very small population, it's likely your vehicle was towed to a nearby town or city with impound facilities.

Official Impound Lots in Upton (and Surrounding Areas)

Unfortunately, we currently don't have specific impound lot data for Upton, TX. We are continuously updating our database. In the meantime, you will need to contact the Upton Police Department or the Upton County Sheriff's Office directly.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Upton Police/Sheriff: This is the most direct way to find out where your vehicle was towed.
• Upton Police Department: (Look up the number online - search "Upton Police Department Phone Number")
• Upton County Sheriff's Office: (Look up the number online - search "Upton County Sheriff's Office Phone Number")
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy as it usually includes a case number. Providing this will help them locate your vehicle information quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Don't delay. The sooner you start looking, the better.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, you 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 driver's license. An expired or suspended license will not be accepted.
• Vehicle registration: This proves you are the registered owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Even if you are not the registered owner, you need to show proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or major credit cards. Call the specific impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to retrieve it for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: This person needs a valid driver's license.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed note or form from the impound lot).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership or authorization to retrieve).

Costs & Fees in Upton (and Surrounding Areas)

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the typical costs is essential. Since Upton is a small community, it's likely fees will be similar to those in surrounding counties.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is a standard towing fee in Texas)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where costs can escalate rapidly)
• Administrative fees: $[Estimate Range Based on Texas Law – Research Local Rates] (These cover paperwork and processing)
• Release fee: $[Estimate Amount Based on Texas Law – Research Local Rates] (A one-time fee for releasing the vehicle)

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. Act immediately to minimize these costs.

Payment Methods

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

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial to avoid losing your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Getting your car back within the first 24 hours is highly recommended to avoid accumulating significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means you could permanently lose your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing high impound fees can be overwhelming, but there are options.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Not all lots offer this, but it's worth asking.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This releases you from the debt but means you forfeit ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

Certain situations may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, you will need a release authorization from the Upton County District Attorney's office or the investigating officer before the impound lot will release it. Contact your attorney or the police department for guidance.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner can retrieve the vehicle regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and a valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these important steps.

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as proof.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and obtain a written record of your report. This is crucial for filing a claim if necessary.

Upton Impound Lot Locations

As previously mentioned, we are working on compiling a list of impound lots servicing Upton, TX. Please contact the Upton Police Department or the Upton County Sheriff's Office for the most up-to-date information on where your vehicle is located.

This guide provides a starting point for navigating the vehicle retrieval process after a DUI arrest in Upton, Texas. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and understand your options to minimize costs and potential complications. Consulting with an attorney is also highly recommended to understand your legal rights and options in your DUI case.