Calhoun County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Calhoun

A DUI arrest in Calhoun, Georgia is a stressful situation, and one of the immediate concerns is often: "What happens to my car?" This guide provides practical steps on how to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Calhoun. Time is of the essence because impound fees accumulate quickly.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Georgia, it's standard procedure for law enforcement to impound your vehicle. This is primarily for public safety, preventing an impaired driver from getting back behind the wheel. The car is typically towed to an impound lot, where it will be held until you (or someone authorized) can retrieve it. Understanding the impound process and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing expenses.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is the first step.

Official Impound Lots in Calhoun

Unfortunately, we don't currently have data on specific impound lots in Calhoun, GA. However, the following steps will help you locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Calhoun Police/Sheriff: This is the fastest way to find your car.
• You can reach the Calhoun Police Department and/or the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. Use online searches to find their current phone numbers, since this information can change.
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy, as it will contain a case number that will help the police locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: The vehicle should be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. Contact the police as soon as possible to track it down.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your car requires specific documents and payment. Be prepared to present the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you own the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards, but it's wise to confirm accepted payment methods with the specific lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle)
• Vehicle title or registration (proving ownership)

Costs & Fees in Calhoun

Impound fees can be substantial, so understanding the costs is critical.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial towing charge.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release of the vehicle. These could range from $25 to $75.
• Release fee: A final release fee might also be charged, potentially around $50.

IMPORTANT: These are estimated ranges. The actual fees will depend on the specific impound lot. Fees accumulate daily, so retrieving your car as soon as possible is crucial to minimize costs.

Payment Methods

Impound lots typically accept cash or major credit cards. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is essential to avoid further complications.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, you should aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound to avoid accumulating extra daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed after a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell the vehicle at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial difficulties after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Seek assistance from loved ones to cover the impound fees.
• Payment plans: Inquire with the impound lot about potential payment plans or installment options. Some lots may offer this to help you manage the costs.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This avoids accruing further debt but results in losing the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees. Act quickly to mitigate the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal and financial consequences.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in the DUI case, it may be held longer. You will need to obtain a release authorization from the police department before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document any damage immediately

Take detailed photos of any damage before leaving the impound lot.

Take photos

Photos will serve as evidence if you need to file a claim.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report. This will be important if you need to pursue a claim for damages.

Calhoun Impound Lot Locations

[This section would contain the detailed list of impound lot locations in Calhoun, GA, with addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation, if available. A map showing the locations would also be beneficial.]

(As we do not have specific impound lot data for Calhoun, GA, at this time, we recommend contacting the Calhoun Police Department and/or the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office for the most up-to-date information.)

This guide aims to provide immediate, practical assistance after a DUI arrest in Calhoun, GA. Remember to act quickly, communicate with the authorities, and explore all available options to minimize the financial impact and retrieve your vehicle efficiently.