Kiowa County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Kiowa County

Being arrested for DUI in Kiowa County, Colorado, is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. Often, after a DUI arrest, your car is impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to retrieve your vehicle and minimize costs. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact a qualified attorney for legal guidance.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Kiowa County, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing impaired drivers and their vehicles from the road prevents further accidents.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle may be held as evidence, although this is less common.
• Legal Requirements: Colorado law allows for the impoundment of vehicles following a DUI arrest.

It's crucial to act quickly to understand the process and retrieve your car to avoid accumulating excessive fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding the location of your impounded vehicle is the first step.

Official Impound Lots in Kiowa County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Kiowa County at this time. Given the county's small population and Tier 3 status, it's likely that the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office contracts with a local towing company for impound services.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Kiowa County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office immediately. Their phone number is likely available on the county's official website or by searching online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and any case number you were given at the time of your arrest. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Be aware that vehicles are generally towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. The sooner you start looking, the better.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your car, you need to gather the necessary documents to claim 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.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current and valid insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash and major credit cards. It's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license was suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed statement authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title or registration: Proof of ownership.

Costs & Fees in Kiowa County

Understanding the costs associated with impounding your vehicle is crucial to avoiding financial hardship.

Typical Fees

These are estimated ranges based on typical impound lot fees in Colorado. Actual fees in Kiowa County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact figures.

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

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your car.

Payment Methods

Without specific impound lot data for Kiowa County, it's best to contact the specific impound lot directly to inquire about accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Some may accept debit cards or checks, but this is less common.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle within the first 24 hours to minimize storage fees. This is the most cost-effective approach.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (typically 30 days), the impound lot can initiate a lien sale. This means they can sell your vehicle to recover the unpaid fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial difficulties after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options to consider if you can't afford the impound fees:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from your support network.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay off the fees in installments. Inquire directly with the impound lot manager.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign over the title of your vehicle to the impound lot. This avoids accruing further debt but means you lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal penalties and damage your credit.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, you'll need to obtain a release authorization from the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office before you can retrieve it. This process can take time, so contact them as soon as possible.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved 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 photos of any dents, scratches, or other damage.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint. This will help you in pursuing a claim for compensation if necessary.

Kiowa County Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we do not have specific impound lot locations for Kiowa County at this time. As stated previously, your best course of action is to contact the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office directly for information on where your vehicle was towed.

Remember, acting quickly and gathering the necessary documentation are key to retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Kiowa County. Contact the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office as soon as possible for information specific to your situation.