Catoosa County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Catoosa

If you've just been arrested for DUI in Catoosa, Georgia, you're likely facing a lot of immediate concerns. One of the most pressing is probably: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Catoosa County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Georgia, the arresting officer typically has your vehicle towed and impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle itself may be considered evidence.
• Standard Procedure: It's a standard practice following a DUI arrest.

Understanding this process is the first step in getting your vehicle back. Let's walk through the essential steps.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first priority. It's likely at an official impound lot in Catoosa County.

Official Impound Lots in Catoosa

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Catoosa County at this time. However, you can find your car by following the steps below. We are working to update this section with the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Catoosa Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to locate your vehicle is to contact the Catoosa County Police Department or the Catoosa County Sheriff's Office.
• Catoosa Police/Sheriff Phone:
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of arrest, and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate where your vehicle was towed.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve 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. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need the vehicle's current registration to prove ownership.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for payment of towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you'll need someone else with a valid driver's license to pick up the vehicle. They will need the following:

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

Costs & Fees in Catoosa

Understanding the costs involved is crucial, as fees accumulate daily.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing fee.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, so inquire about the specific amount.
• Release fee: There might be a release fee associated with getting your car back.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will become. Act quickly to minimize the financial burden.

Payment Methods

[This section will be updated with specific payment methods accepted by impound lots in Catoosa County as data becomes available. Generally, expect to pay with cash or a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Contact the specific impound lot to confirm.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence!

Within 24 Hours

It's highly recommended to retrieve your car within 24 hours of it being impounded to avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Georgia, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell the vehicle at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI is stressful enough, and the added expense of impound fees can be overwhelming. 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.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the title of the vehicle over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This will prevent further debt accumulation, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse financially.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a family member), the registered owner is the only one who can retrieve it, regardless of your DUI situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (registration or title) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take the following 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 photos and notes of any damage you find.

Take photos

Photos are crucial documentation.

Report damage to impound lot manager

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

Catoosa Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of impound lot locations in Catoosa County, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references, as this data becomes available. Please check back for updates.]

Remember, dealing with a DUI arrest is a serious matter. While this guide provides information about vehicle impoundment, it is not a substitute for legal advice. Contact a qualified DUI attorney in Catoosa County to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.