Franklin County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Franklin

Being arrested for DUI in Franklin, Georgia is stressful enough. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely facing the immediate problem of getting your car back. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Franklin.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Franklin, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be held for evidence, although this is less common in standard DUI cases.
• Liability: To protect law enforcement and the towing company from liability if something were to happen to the vehicle while in your possession.

Knowing why your car was impounded is the first step in understanding how to get it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Franklin yet. But here's how to find out where your car is located:

Official Impound Lots in Franklin

[Currently, we have no impound lot data available for Franklin, GA. Please check back later.]

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Franklin Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find your vehicle is to contact the Franklin Police Department or the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. Their phone number is likely available on the Franklin County website.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and case number (if you have it). This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car was likely towed very soon after your arrest, so don't delay in starting the search.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you head to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You, or someone picking up the vehicle on your behalf, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you (or the owner) are legally registered to the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• A signed authorization letter from you (giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle)
• The vehicle title or registration in your name (or the owner's name)

Costs & Fees in Franklin

The costs associated with retrieving your vehicle can add up quickly. Be prepared for these expenses:

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle. This could be in the range of $25-$75.
• Release fee: Some impound lots charge a release fee, which could be around $[amount].

IMPORTANT: The daily storage fees are the biggest concern. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

[We currently do not have payment method information for Franklin impound lots. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods. Cash is generally accepted; credit card acceptance varies.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, you should retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound to minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within 30 days, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your car permanently!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI is expensive enough, and the impound fees add to the burden.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire when you contact the lot.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: The fees accumulate daily. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle could result in further legal consequences.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

In rare cases, your vehicle might be held as evidence in your DUI case.

• May be held longer by police: If this is the case, the police will notify you.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police department or the prosecutor's office before the impound lot will release the car.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They do not need your permission.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide their driver's license and the vehicle registration or title to prove ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Franklin Impound Lot Locations

[As mentioned, we do not currently have a list of impound lot locations for Franklin, GA. We recommend contacting the Franklin Police Department or Franklin County Sheriff's Office to determine the location of your vehicle.]

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Franklin can be a stressful process. By following this guide and acting quickly, you can minimize the costs and complications involved. Remember to contact the Franklin Police Department or the Franklin County Sheriff's Office immediately to locate your vehicle and inquire about the specific requirements for its release.