Beaufort County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Beaufort County

(dui.guide - Your Guide to Navigating DUI Charges in Beaufort County, NC)

Being arrested for DUI in Beaufort County, North Carolina, is a stressful experience. Besides the legal implications, you're likely wondering what happens to your car. In most cases, your vehicle will be impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical advice on how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Time is of the essence because storage fees accumulate daily!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Beaufort County, your car is usually impounded for several reasons:

• Safety: Preventing you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: The vehicle might be held as evidence in your DUI case, especially if there was an accident.
• Liability: To protect the arresting agency from liability if something were to happen to the vehicle while left unattended.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is crucial. Here's how:

Official Impound Lots in Beaufort County

Unfortunately, we do not have specific impound lot data for Beaufort County at this time. Please refer to the steps below for finding your car.

How to Find Your Vehicle

1. Call Beaufort County Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find out where your car is impounded is to contact the Beaufort County Police Department or the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. You can find their contact information online.
2. Reference your case number: When you call, be sure to have your case number, driver's license number, and any other identifying information available. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
3. Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: In most cases, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities to find out where it is.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

You (or someone acting on your behalf) will typically need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance policy information for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Be prepared to pay all applicable fees upfront.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. Here's what you can do:

• 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 and dated note is sufficient.
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Beaufort County

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for budgeting and planning.

Typical Fees

While specific fees vary, here's a general idea of what to expect in Beaufort County:

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $25 - $75
• Release fee: $50 - $100

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait to retrieve your vehicle, the more you'll have to pay. Act fast!

Payment Methods

Contact the impound lot directly to confirm which payment methods they accept. Most will take cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards, but it's best to verify beforehand.

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

Make every effort to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you fail to retrieve your vehicle within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some 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 payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you, but this is not guaranteed.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): If you absolutely cannot afford the fees, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot. This will prevent you from incurring further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: As emphasized repeatedly, fees add up rapidly. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and fines.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your car is being held as evidence in your DUI case (for example, if there was an accident), it may be held longer by the police department.

• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, contact the investigating officer or the Beaufort County District Attorney's office to obtain a written release authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a family member or a leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your situation.

• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Check Your Vehicle

Once you retrieve your vehicle, carefully inspect it for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

• Document any damage immediately: Take photos and videos of any damage you find.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint. This will help you with any potential insurance claims.

Beaufort County Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we do not have specific impound lot data for Beaufort County at this time. Please contact the Beaufort County Police Department or the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office for the location of your vehicle.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Beaufort County, it is crucial to consult with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. They can advise you on your legal rights and options.