Las Animas County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Las Animas County

Being arrested for a DUI in Las Animas County, Colorado, is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you also have to figure out how to get your life back on track, and that often starts with getting your vehicle back. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle after a DUI arrest in Las Animas County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Colorado, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons. These include:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be held as evidence, especially if an accident occurred.
• Legal Requirement: Impoundment is often a standard procedure following a DUI arrest in Colorado, especially if you were deemed unable to safely operate the vehicle.

Understanding the impound process is the first step towards getting your car back and minimizing further expenses.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first priority. It's essential to act quickly to avoid accumulating daily storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Las Animas County

Unfortunately, specific impound lot data for Las Animas County isn’t currently available. However, vehicles are typically towed to the nearest authorized impound lot. Check with the Las Animas County Sheriff's Department or your arresting officer for the precise location.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle:

• Call Las Animas County Police/Sheriff: Contact them as soon as possible. Their number is available online through the Las Animas County government website.
• Reference your case number: Having your case number handy will help them locate your vehicle quickly. The arresting officer should have provided this to you.
• Expect towing within 24 hours: Most vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documents is crucial for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

You'll generally need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): The person retrieving 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 the towing and storage fees.

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.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed note or form may be required by the impound lot).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership or authorized use).

Costs & Fees in Las Animas County

Understanding the costs involved is essential for budgeting and planning.

Typical Fees

Keep in mind that fees can vary, so it's best to confirm the exact amounts with the impound lot. Here's a general idea of what to expect:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $25 - $75
• Release fee: $50 (This is a general estimate. Actual fees can vary.)

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more you'll owe. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods. Typically, they accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your car within 24 hours of impoundment to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Colorado, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You definitely want to avoid this.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

It's understandable if you're struggling to afford the impound fees. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire directly with the lot manager.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This avoids accumulating further debt but means you'll lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up rapidly. 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 require additional steps.

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.

• May be held longer by police: The duration depends on the specifics of your case.
• Get release authorization first: Contact your attorney or the Las Animas County District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization. Present this to the impound lot.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else, such as a family member, they have the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They are the legal owner of the vehicle.
• They'll need proof of ownership: Vehicle title or registration.

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 during towing or storage.

• Document any damage immediately: Make detailed notes of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Photographic evidence is crucial for any claims.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage as soon as possible and file a formal complaint if necessary.

Las Animas County Impound Lot Locations

Because specific impound lot data is unavailable, your best course of action is to contact the Las Animas County Sheriff's Department or your arresting officer for information on the location of your impounded vehicle. They will be able to provide you with the correct address and contact information.

This guide provides a starting point for navigating the vehicle retrieval process after a DUI arrest in Las Animas County. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and communicate effectively with the relevant authorities and impound lot personnel. It's also highly recommended to consult with a qualified Colorado DUI attorney to understand your legal rights and options.