Columbia County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Columbia, GA

Being arrested for a DUI in Columbia, Georgia is a stressful experience. On top of the legal worries, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of your impounded vehicle. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the process of retrieving your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. Time is of the essence, as fees accumulate daily!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be needed as evidence in your case, though this is less common.
• Liability: To protect the police and city from liability should something happen to the vehicle while it's parked illegally or unsafely.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step to getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is your immediate priority.

Official Impound Lots in Columbia

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Columbia, GA at this time. Please refer to the next section on how to locate your car.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Columbia Police/Sheriff: Start by contacting the Columbia Police Department or the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Their non-emergency number is essential. We are working to update this guide with the most current number, but a quick web search for "Columbia County Sheriff Non-Emergency" or "Columbia Police Non-Emergency" will provide you with the correct contact information.
• Reference your case number: When you call, be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate information about your arrest and the location of your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car will likely be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities to find its location.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

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. A suspended license will not work.
• Vehicle registration: This proves ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Even if you don't have a valid license, the vehicle must be insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Check with the specific lot to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need help:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve your vehicle. This letter should include your name, their name, the vehicle's make and model, and the VIN.
• The vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Columbia

Understanding the costs involved is critical to avoid further financial strain.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where the costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: These fees can range, so be prepared for an additional cost.
• Release fee: There might be a separate release fee.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more it will cost.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot where your car is located to confirm their accepted payment methods. Typically, they accept:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

Timeline

Acting quickly is essential to minimize expenses.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to avoid accumulating multiple days of storage fees.

After 30 Days

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

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, explore 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 the possibility of a payment plan. Not all lots offer this, but it's worth asking.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the title of the vehicle over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt but means 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.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal trouble and fines.

Special Situations

Be aware of these less common scenarios:

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: The police will notify you when the vehicle is no longer needed as evidence and provide a release authorization.
• Get release authorization first: Before heading to the impound lot, ensure you have written authorization from the police department allowing you to retrieve 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 has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This is typically the vehicle's title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as proof.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report. This will be important if you need to file a claim later.

Columbia Impound Lot Locations

[We are actively collecting data on impound lot locations in Columbia, GA. Please check back soon for a detailed list with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references.]

In the meantime, please contact the Columbia Police Department or the Columbia County Sheriff's Office for the location of your vehicle.