Garfield County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Garfield County

Being arrested for a DUI in Garfield County, Colorado, is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you also have the immediate problem of getting your car back. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound process and retrieve your vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Garfield County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure and serves several purposes:

• Public Safety: Removes a potentially dangerous vehicle from the road.
• Evidence Preservation: Prevents tampering with potential evidence related to the DUI investigation.
• Compliance with Colorado Law: Enforces penalties associated with DUI offenses.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in figuring out how to get it back.

Where Is Your Car?

The most pressing question is: where is your car being held?

Official Impound Lots in Garfield County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Garfield County at this time. This information will be added as soon as it becomes available. However, you can use the following methods to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Locating your vehicle requires prompt action. Here's how to find out where it was towed:

• Call Garfield County Police/Sheriff: Contact the law enforcement agency that arrested you. They will have a record of where your vehicle was towed. You can likely reach them at their non-emergency line. Search online for "Garfield County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number" or "Garfield County Police non-emergency number".
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your arrest paperwork handy. Your case number will help the officer quickly locate the towing information.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed relatively quickly after your arrest, typically within a few hours. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

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

Be prepared with the following documents:

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): The impound lot will require proof that the person retrieving the vehicle is legally allowed to drive it.
• Vehicle registration: Proves ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Shows that the vehicle is insured, as required by Colorado law.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees (more on this below).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter or notarized statement may be required - check with the impound lot).
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Garfield County

The costs associated with vehicle impoundment can add up quickly. Understanding these fees is crucial for budgeting and planning.

Typical Fees

Here's a general idea of the fees you can expect. These are estimates, and actual fees may vary:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $25 - $75
• Release fee: $50 - $100

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to retrieve your vehicle. Contact the impound lot directly for their exact fee schedule.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods. Generally, most impound lots accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Some may accept debit cards.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is essential to avoid additional costs and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of the impound. This minimizes storage fees and prevents the total cost from escalating rapidly.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically around 30 days (check with the specific impound lot and Colorado law), the impound lot may initiate a lien sale. This means they can legally sell your vehicle to recover the outstanding fees. You will lose your car.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing high impound fees can be overwhelming, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options to consider:

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 the possibility of a payment plan. Some may be willing to work with you, but be prepared for interest charges.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you can voluntarily sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can lead to further legal consequences.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in the DUI investigation, it may be held longer than usual.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the investigating officer or the Garfield County District Attorney's office to inquire about the status of your vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police or District Attorney's office confirming that the vehicle is no longer needed as evidence.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone other than yourself, the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This is usually the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly 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 for filing a claim.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report.

Garfield County Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with specific impound lot information as soon as it is available. Please check back soon.] We recommend searching online for "Garfield County Colorado impound lots" to find the most up-to-date listings.

We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to navigate the vehicle impound process in Garfield County. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and contact the relevant authorities to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible. Good luck.