Screven County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Screven

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A DUI arrest in Screven, GA, is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of your vehicle being impounded. This guide provides practical, step-by-step information to help you retrieve your car quickly and minimize expenses. Every day counts, as storage fees can add up rapidly!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Screven County, Georgia, your vehicle is typically impounded for two primary reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, your vehicle might be held as evidence in your DUI case.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is crucial to minimizing storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Screven

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Screven County just yet. This information is actively being researched and added to our database. In the meantime, follow the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Screven Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Screven County Sheriff's Office or the Police Department of the town where you were arrested (if applicable).
• Screven County Sheriff's Office Phone:
• Reference your case number: Have your DUI arrest paperwork handy. It will include a case number, which will help them locate your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: The towing usually happens very quickly after the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid, unexpired driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered in your name (or the registered owner's name).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot beforehand to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Screven

Understanding the costs involved is vital to avoid surprises.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for towing.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be additional administrative fees. We are working to determine the exact range for Screven County.
• Release fee: A final release fee may also be charged. We are working to determine the exact amount for Screven County.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

We are currently gathering information on accepted payment methods at Screven County impound lots. Call the impound lot directly to confirm whether they accept cash, credit cards, or other forms of payment.

Timeline

Time is of the essence.

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This minimizes 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'll lose your car and potentially face further legal issues.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints shouldn't prevent you from exploring all options.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reaching out to loved ones for assistance is a viable option.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about potential payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This relieves you of the debt but results in the loss of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination only increases the fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may require additional steps.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it will be held longer.

• May be held longer by police: The release of your vehicle may be delayed until the investigation is complete.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the police department or the District Attorney's office before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

The registered owner has rights regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner of the vehicle has the right to retrieve it, even if you were the one arrested.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

After getting your car back, take these 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 photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Screven Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with specific impound lot locations in Screven County, GA, including addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation, as soon as we have verified data. We are actively researching this information.]

(Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney in Georgia for advice specific to your situation.)