Caldwell County Vehicle Impound Guide

Vehicle impoundment after a DWI arrest in Caldwell County, North Carolina, presents significant logistical and financial hurdles. While specific details on impound lot locations are limited, understanding the general procedures and potential costs is crucial.

The First 48 Hours After a DWI Arrest in Caldwell County

Following a DWI arrest in Caldwell County, your vehicle will likely be impounded. The arresting officer will arrange for a towing company to remove the vehicle from the scene. It's critical to act quickly, as storage fees accrue daily. Due to the Pretrial Integrity Act, if you have a prior DWI charge or other aggravating factors, you may be held for up to 48 hours before seeing a judge to determine bond. This delay can significantly increase impound fees.

Actionable Steps:

1. Identify the Towing Company: Immediately upon release, determine which company towed your vehicle. The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office or the Lenoir Police Department should have this information.
2. Contact the Towing Company: Call the towing company to confirm their location, hours, fees, and required documents for vehicle release.
3. Gather Required Documents: Assemble all necessary paperwork, including your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
4. Arrange Payment: Determine the accepted payment methods and ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the towing and storage fees.
5. Plan for Transportation: Arrange for a ride to the impound lot, as you may not be able to drive your vehicle immediately due to license revocation.

What Happens After Arrest / Documents Required

| Action | Details OF THE VEHICLE

Primary Impound Facility

While a specific primary impound facility isn't identified in the provided data, it's likely that the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office or the Lenoir Police Department utilizes one or more local towing companies for impound services. Contacting these agencies directly is the best way to determine where your vehicle is located.

Caldwell County Sheriff's Office: 2350 Morganton Blvd SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 (828) 758-2324

Lenoir Police Department: 103 Harper Ave NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 (828) 757-2100

Cost Breakdown

The total cost to retrieve your vehicle will include:

• Towing Fee: This is a flat fee charged by the towing company for transporting your vehicle to the impound lot. While a specific amount isn't provided, expect this to be several hundred dollars.
• Daily Storage Fee: Storage fees accrue daily, starting after a certain period (often 24 hours).
• Administrative Fees: The towing company may charge additional administrative fees for processing paperwork and releasing your vehicle.

Example:

• Towing Fee: $272
• Daily Storage Fee: $22.85/day
• Administrative Fee: $50

Total (after 3 days): $272 + (3 x $22.85) + $50 = $380.55

Required Documents for Release

To retrieve your vehicle, you will typically need the following documents:

• Valid Driver's License
• Vehicle Registration
• Proof of Insurance
• Release Form (if required by the arresting agency)

Contacting the Tow Company

Once you have identified the towing company, contact them immediately to inquire about their specific procedures and requirements.

• Phone: (Varies depending on the towing company)
• Hours: (Varies depending on the towing company)
• Payment Methods: Most towing companies accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some may also accept certified checks.

Special Circumstances

• Weekend/Holiday Procedures: Impound lots may have limited hours or be closed on weekends and holidays. This can significantly delay vehicle retrieval and increase storage fees.
• Third-Party Pickup: If you are unable to retrieve your vehicle personally, you may be able to authorize a third party to do so on your behalf. This typically requires a notarized letter of authorization and a copy of your driver's license.
• Limited Driving Privilege (LDP): After 10 days of your 30-day civil revocation, you may be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). This would allow you to drive for work, school, or other essential purposes. Obtaining an LDP requires a DL-123 form (insurance), a substance abuse assessment from A New Dimension Substance Abuse Counseling (116 Main Street, Lenoir, NC 28645; 828-759-2921), a $100 fee, and a petition signed by a judge.

2350 Morganton Blvd SW, Lenoir, NC 28645