Candler County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Candler

A DUI arrest in Candler, Georgia, is a stressful experience. Adding to the stress is the impoundment of your vehicle. Understanding the process of retrieving your car is crucial to minimizing expenses and getting back on track. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to get your car back after a DUI arrest in Candler.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Candler, Georgia, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure. Law enforcement impounds the vehicle for several reasons, including:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence (though this is less common in standard DUI cases).
• Liability: To protect the county from liability should you have an accident while intoxicated.

Knowing why your car was impounded is less important than knowing how to get it back. Let's dive into the steps you need to take.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle is located is the first step. Since Candler County is a Tier 3 county, it's vital to act quickly to minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Candler

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a database of impound lots specific to Candler. However, here's how you can find out where your car is:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Candler Police/Sheriff: This is the most direct and reliable way to locate your vehicle. Contact them immediately. You can usually find their number online or by searching "Candler County Sheriff's Office" or "Candler Police Department."
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you need to gather the necessary documents for retrieval.

Required Documents

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

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): The impound lot will require proof that the person driving the vehicle away is legally allowed to do so. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to pick it up.
• Vehicle registration: This proves you're the registered owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: This confirms the vehicle is insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots accept various payment methods, but it's always best to be prepared with both cash and a credit card.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to retrieve it for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: Find a licensed driver you trust to retrieve the vehicle.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed note stating they have permission to pick up the vehicle)
• Vehicle title or registration (proving ownership)

Costs & Fees in Candler

Understanding the costs involved is critical to planning your retrieval strategy. These fees can add up quickly, so prompt action is essential.

Typical Fees

While specific fees vary, you can expect the following:

• 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 get your car back.

Payment Methods

[Information on payment methods will be available upon impound lot data retrieval.] Generally, most impound lots accept cash and major credit cards. Some may also accept debit cards. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Time is of the essence! Understanding the timeline will help you prioritize and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This will minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your vehicle and potentially still owe money.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

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 payment plan options. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This absolves you of the debt but means you'll lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up incredibly fast. Procrastination will only worsen the situation.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

Certain situations require special consideration:

If Your Car Was Evidence

In rare cases, your car might be held as evidence.

• May be held longer by police: If your vehicle is considered evidence, the police will hold it for a longer period.
• Get release authorization first: Before attempting to retrieve your vehicle, obtain release authorization from the Candler County Police Department or the District Attorney's office.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, they have the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can retrieve the vehicle regardless of your DUI arrest.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They'll need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) to the impound lot.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Photograph any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and obtain a written record of your report.

Candler Impound Lot Locations

[Detailed list with map references will be added as impound lot data is retrieved.]

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.