Webb County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Webb

A DUI arrest in Webb, TX, is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One immediate concern is usually: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide will provide you with the practical steps you need to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Webb County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be held as evidence, especially if there was an accident.
• Legal Requirement: Texas law allows for impoundment in DUI cases.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is your priority. Here's how to find it:

Official Impound Lots in Webb

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Webb County at this time. Webb is a Tier 3 county with low population density, so it's likely your car was towed to a nearby lot within the county or a neighboring county.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Webb Police/Sheriff: This is your first and most important step. Contact the Webb County Sheriff's Office. You can find their number online. Explain that you were arrested for DUI and need to know where your vehicle was towed.
• Reference your case number: If you have it, provide your case number or any identifying information you received at the time of your arrest. This will help them locate your vehicle more quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car will likely be at an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Act fast to minimize storage fees!

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you'll need specific documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You or someone you authorize to pick up the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees. Call the impound lot ahead of time to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid driver's license, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you (a signed letter stating they are authorized to retrieve the vehicle).
• The vehicle title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Webb

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. Fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is vital.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the tow.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees vary, but could be in the range of $25-$75.
• Release fee: Some impound lots charge a release fee, which could be around $50-$100.

IMPORTANT: These are estimates. Contact the specific impound lot for exact pricing. Remember that fees accumulate daily. The sooner you retrieve your car, the less you'll pay.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Contact the lot directly to confirm if they accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, or money orders.

Timeline

Time is of the essence.

Within 24 Hours

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

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You do not want this to happen.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial hardship is a common concern after a DUI arrest. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for help from those you trust.
• Payment plans: Inquire with the impound lot about payment plans. Some may offer them.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to avoid accruing further debt. However, you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees accumulate rapidly.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal trouble and fines.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your car is being held as evidence in your DUI case, the police will need to release it before you can retrieve it from the impound lot. Obtain a release authorization from the Webb County Sheriff's Office.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, the registered owner can retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest. They'll need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Check Your Vehicle

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

• Document any damage immediately: Take detailed notes and photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Photographic evidence is crucial.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a formal complaint.

Webb Impound Lot Locations

As we gather more specific data, we will update this section with a detailed list of impound lot locations in Webb County, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references. In the meantime, contact the Webb County Sheriff's Office for the location of your vehicle.

This guide provides essential information for retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Webb, TX. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and understand the associated costs. Good luck.