Alamance County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Alamance County

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Being arrested for a DUI in Alamance County, North Carolina, is a stressful situation, and one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? Unfortunately, in most DUI arrests, your vehicle is impounded. This is a standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. Understanding the process of retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize costs and avoid further complications. This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to get your car back as quickly as possible.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest in Alamance County, your vehicle is typically towed to an official impound lot. Knowing where your car is located is the first step in getting it back.

Official Impound Lots in Alamance County

[IMPORTANT: This section will be populated with data from the impound lot database when available. Example below.]

Example Placeholder:

• Alamance County Impound: 123 Main Street, Burlington, NC. Phone: (336) 555-1212. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM.
• Ace Towing & Storage: 456 Oak Avenue, Graham, NC. Phone: (336) 555-3434. Hours: 24/7.

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your car was towed, here's how to find out:

• Call Alamance County Police/Sheriff: Contact the law enforcement agency that arrested you. Their number is likely available online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your case number or any identifying information from your arrest paperwork. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. Don't delay in contacting the police.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

You'll typically need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license: You or someone you authorize must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of ownership is required.
• Proof of insurance: The vehicle must be insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots accept various payment methods, but be prepared with cash or a credit card to cover the towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to pick up the 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 statement allowing them to pick up the vehicle)
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership)

Costs & Fees in Alamance County

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impoundment is crucial to avoid surprises. These fees can add up quickly, so acting fast is essential.

Typical Fees

Expect to pay the following types of fees:

• Towing fee: Generally ranges from $150 to $300.
• Daily storage: Expect to pay $20 to $50 per day for storage.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary.
• Release fee: A standard fee to release the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle. Contact the impound lot immediately to understand their specific fee structure.

Payment Methods

[IMPORTANT: This section will be populated with data from the impound lot database when available. Example below.]

Example Placeholder:

• Alamance County Impound: Accepts cash, Visa, and Mastercard.
• Ace Towing & Storage: Accepts cash only.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when dealing with vehicle impoundment.

Within 24 Hours

Make every effort to retrieve your car as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the arrest. This will minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial difficulties after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options to consider if you can't afford the impound fees:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Seek assistance from loved ones.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire directly with the lot.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt but result in the loss of your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up rapidly, making the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to additional legal consequences and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police department to release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, such as a family member, the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner's driving record is not relevant.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They will need to provide the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

After retrieving your vehicle, take these steps to protect yourself:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while in the impound lot.
• 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 file a written complaint.

Alamance County Impound Lot Locations

[IMPORTANT: This section will be populated with data from the impound lot database when available. This will include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, accepted payment methods, and (if possible) a link to a Google Maps location.]

Example Placeholder:

• Alamance County Impound: 123 Main Street, Burlington, NC. Phone: (336) 555-1212. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM. Accepts cash, Visa, and Mastercard. [Google Maps Link Placeholder]
• Ace Towing & Storage: 456 Oak Avenue, Graham, NC. Phone: (336) 555-3434. Hours: 24/7. Accepts cash only. [Google Maps Link Placeholder]

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with an attorney regarding your specific situation.