Decatur County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Decatur

Being arrested for DUI in Decatur, Georgia, is a stressful and confusing experience. On top of the legal worries, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of your impounded vehicle. This guide provides practical steps you can take right now to get your car back and minimize the financial burden.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Decatur, your vehicle is typically impounded by law enforcement. This is done for several reasons, including:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from immediately driving again while under the influence.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your case.
• Liability: To protect the city and towing companies from liability if the vehicle is left unattended.

Understanding why your car was impounded is less important than taking swift action to get it back. The longer you wait, the more it will cost you.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle quickly is crucial to avoid accumulating hefty storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Decatur

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot information for Decatur readily available. This is where you'll need to do some immediate legwork. However, vehicles are typically towed to contracted lots used by the Decatur Police Department or the Decatur County Sheriff's Office.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Decatur Police/Sheriff: Your best first step is to contact the Decatur Police Department or the Decatur County Sheriff's Office directly.

• Decatur Police Department:

• Decatur County Sheriff's Office:

• Reference your case number: When you call, be sure to have your arrest information handy, including your case number (if you have it), your name, and the date of your arrest. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.

• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. This gives you a narrow window to begin your search and minimize storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your vehicle, you'll need specific documents and funds to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You must have a valid driver's license to retrieve the vehicle yourself. If yours is suspended due to the DUI arrest, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or someone who is authorizing the release).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash, credit cards, or sometimes debit cards. Call ahead to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, don't panic. You still have options:

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle (a simple signed note is usually sufficient)
• The vehicle title or registration to prove ownership

Costs & Fees in Decatur

Understanding the costs involved is critical. Impound fees can add up quickly, turning a bad situation into a financial nightmare.

Typical Fees

These are estimated ranges. The actual fees will vary depending on the towing company and the length of time your vehicle is stored.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is the initial fee for towing the vehicle)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where the costs can really escalate)
• Administrative fees: $[Range - Research local towing companies for accurate figures, e.g., $25-$75]
• Release fee: $[Amount - Research local towing companies for accurate figures, e.g., $50]

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle. Treat this as an urgent matter.

Payment Methods

[Research local towing companies or impound lots in the Decatur area and list the accepted payment methods here. For example: "Most impound lots in Decatur accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). Some may also accept debit cards. Call ahead to confirm."]

Timeline

Time is of the essence.

Within 24 Hours

Your top priority should be locating and retrieving your vehicle within the first 24 hours of your arrest. This will minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle and potentially still owe money.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest is expensive enough. 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. Some may be willing to work with you, but don't count on it.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the title of your vehicle over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up exponentially. Procrastination will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can result in further fines and legal complications.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, retrieving it will be more complicated.

• May be held longer by police: The police may need to hold the vehicle for an extended period as part of their investigation.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need to obtain written authorization from the Decatur Police Department or the Decatur County District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., your spouse, a parent), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide their valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They must present documentation proving their ownership of the vehicle.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important 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: Take clear photographs of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report.

Decatur Impound Lot Locations

[This section requires local research. Use Google Maps and online searches to compile a list of towing companies and potential impound lots used by the Decatur Police Department and the Decatur County Sheriff's Office. Include addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation if available. Example:]

Example (Replace with actual Decatur information):

• Decatur Towing & Recovery: 123 Main Street, Decatur, GA. (555) 123-4567. Hours: 24/7. [Map Link - Insert Google Maps link to the location]
• AAA Towing of Decatur: 456 Oak Avenue, Decatur, GA. (555) 987-6543. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 6 PM, Sat 9 AM - 1 PM. [Map Link - Insert Google Maps link to the location]

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for legal guidance regarding your DUI case in Decatur, Georgia.