Wharton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Wharton

Being arrested for a DUI in Wharton, Texas is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happened to my car? This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Wharton. Understanding the process, required documents, and associated costs is crucial to getting your car back quickly and minimizing expenses.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Wharton, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent further potential offenses and ensure public safety. Your car is usually towed to a designated impound lot, where it will be held until you (or someone authorized) retrieve it. Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is the immediate priority. Here's how to find out where it was towed:

Official Impound Lots in Wharton

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot information for Wharton at this time. However, the methods below will help you locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Wharton Police/Sheriff: The most direct way to find your vehicle is to contact the Wharton Police Department or the Wharton County Sheriff's Office. They will have a record of where your vehicle was towed.
• Look up the non-emergency phone number for the Wharton Police Department or the Wharton County Sheriff's Office online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your arrest information available, especially your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle information.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, vehicles are towed and processed within 24 hours of the arrest. Don't delay in contacting the police or sheriff's office.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents. Failure to provide these documents will result in denial of release.

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.
• Vehicle registration: You must provide proof of current vehicle registration.
• Proof of insurance: You must provide proof of current vehicle insurance.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you won't be able to retrieve the vehicle yourself. Here's what you can do:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration proving ownership (or your right to possess the vehicle).

Costs & Fees in Wharton

Understanding the costs associated with impound is crucial, as fees accumulate daily.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, so inquire about them when you contact the impound lot.
• Release fee: There may be a separate release fee charged by the impound lot.

IMPORTANT: These fees add up quickly. Every day your car remains in the impound lot increases the total cost. Retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible.

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods. They may accept cash, credit cards, or debit cards. Be prepared to pay the full amount before the vehicle is released.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impound to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest can put a strain on your finances. If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, consider these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reach out to loved ones who may be able to assist you financially.
• 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): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot to cover the outstanding fees. This will avoid further debt accumulation but means you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

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

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may affect the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual. You will need to obtain a release authorization from the Wharton County District Attorney's office or the Wharton Police Department before you can retrieve it.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner is generally the only one who can retrieve it. They will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license. Their ability to retrieve the vehicle is typically independent of your DUI arrest.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.

Document any damage immediately

Take detailed photos of any damage you find.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim. This will help you pursue compensation for the damages.

Wharton Impound Lot Locations

[Placeholder: This section will be populated once impound lot data becomes available.]

Unfortunately, we do not have specific addresses or contact information for impound lots in Wharton at this time. Please follow the instructions above (contacting Wharton PD or the Wharton County Sheriff) to locate your vehicle and obtain the impound lot's details.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Wharton, Texas, it is highly recommended to consult with a qualified attorney to protect your rights. Good luck getting your car back!