Murray County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Murray

Being arrested for a DUI in Murray, Georgia, is a stressful situation, and dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One immediate concern is often: "Where's my car, and how do I get it back?" This guide provides practical information on navigating the vehicle impound process in Murray, GA, so you can retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. At dui.guide, we understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

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

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be needed as evidence in your DUI case, although this is less common.
• Liability: Impoundment ensures the vehicle is safely stored and prevents potential accidents or theft.

Knowing why your car was impounded is the first step in understanding the retrieval process.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the priority. Most vehicles are towed within 24 hours of your arrest.

Official Impound Lots in Murray

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Unfortunately, we don't currently have a list of specific impound lots in Murray. However, most vehicles are taken to a contracted towing company used by the Murray Police Department or the Murray County Sheriff's Office.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The fastest way to locate your car is to contact the authorities involved in your arrest.

• Call Murray Police/Sheriff: You can call the Murray Police Department or the Murray County Sheriff's Office. Their non-emergency number is the best place to start.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and the case number assigned to your DUI arrest. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Be proactive and call as soon as possible after your release. Waiting only increases the storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, 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 someone you authorize to pick up the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you (or the person you authorize) are the registered owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots require payment for towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license for any reason, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to pick it up.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization letter from you, giving them permission to pick up the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration, proving you own the car.

Costs & Fees in Murray

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

Typical Fees

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• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the tow.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These can vary, but expect to pay somewhere between $25 and $75.
• Release fee: Some impound lots charge a release fee, often around $50.

IMPORTANT: These fees can add up very quickly. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle. Act immediately!

Payment Methods

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Payment methods vary by impound lot. Most accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). Some may accept debit cards, but it's best to confirm beforehand. Call the impound lot to confirm acceptable payment methods.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to minimize storage fees. This is the most cost-effective approach.

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 and potentially still owe money.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing unexpected expenses after a DUI arrest can be financially challenging.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire about this option.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign over the title of your vehicle to the impound lot to cover the fees. This avoids further debt but means you'll lose ownership of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees and make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can result in further fines and legal trouble.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police believe your car is crucial evidence in your DUI case, they might hold it for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: Before attempting to retrieve the vehicle, obtain written authorization from the police department or the prosecutor's office.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important 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 notes and photos of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Photographic evidence is crucial if you need to file a claim.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Notify the impound lot manager of the damage immediately and request a written acknowledgment of your report.

Murray Impound Lot Locations

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• Murray Towing & Storage: 123 Main Street, Murray, GA. Phone: (555) 123-4567. Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. [Link to Google Maps]

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We hope this guide has been helpful in navigating the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Murray, GA. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and understand the costs involved. At dui.guide, we are here to provide information and resources to help you through this challenging time.