Washington County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Washington County

Being arrested for DUI in Washington County, North Carolina, is stressful enough. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely wondering what happened to your car and how to get it back. This guide provides immediate, practical information about vehicle impoundment and retrieval in Washington County following a DUI arrest. We understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher in North Carolina, or if you refuse a breath or blood test, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent further operation of the vehicle by an impaired driver and to ensure public safety. Knowing the process for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to minimize fees and get your life back on track.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step. Your car is likely being held at an official impound lot contracted by the Washington County Sheriff's Department or local police.

Official Impound Lots in Washington County

Unfortunately, we do not have specific impound lot information for Washington County at this time. Please see the "How to Find Your Vehicle" section below for steps on how to locate your car.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The fastest way to locate your impounded vehicle is to contact the Washington County authorities directly.

• Call Washington County Police/Sheriff: Start by calling the non-emergency line for the Washington County Sheriff's Department. You can usually find the number online through the Washington County official government website, or by searching "[Washington County NC Sheriff Department Phone Number]".
• Reference your case number: When you call, be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number. This number is assigned to your DUI arrest and will help them quickly locate your vehicle's location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. The police should be able to tell you which lot it was taken to.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, you need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You, or someone authorized to pick up your vehicle, MUST have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need the vehicle's current registration.
• Proof of insurance: Bring proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Contact the specific lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your 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 for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed letter stating you authorize them to retrieve the vehicle will suffice.
• The vehicle's title or registration in your name (or proof that you are authorized by the owner to retrieve the vehicle).

Costs & Fees in Washington County

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impoundment is crucial. Fees accumulate daily, so acting quickly is essential to minimize expenses.

Typical Fees

These are estimated fees. Contact the specific impound lot for exact amounts.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is the initial cost of towing the vehicle to the impound lot.)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This fee is charged for each day the vehicle remains at the impound lot.)
• Administrative fees: $[25-75] (These fees cover the impound lot's administrative costs.)
• Release fee: $[50-100] (A one-time fee charged for releasing the vehicle.)

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Every day your car sits at the impound lot, the costs increase.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods. They typically accept:

• Cash
• Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is crucial to avoid losing your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Retrieve your car as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the impoundment. This will minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

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

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, explore these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reaching out to loved ones for financial assistance can be a quick solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some lots may allow you to pay the fees in installments.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This will prevent you from incurring further debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastinating will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can result in further legal penalties and damage your credit.

Special Situations

Certain situations may complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: The police will notify you when the vehicle is no longer needed as evidence.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain a release authorization from the police department.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner must provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The impound lot will verify their ownership before releasing the vehicle.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

• Document any damage immediately: Make a detailed list of any scratches, dents, or other damage.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of the damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager and request documentation.

Washington County Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we do not have specific impound lot contact information for Washington County at this time. Please refer to the "How to Find Your Vehicle" section above for guidance on locating your car. Once you have located the impound lot, be sure to confirm their address, hours of operation, and accepted payment methods.

We hope this guide helps you navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Washington County. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and explore all available options to minimize costs and avoid further complications.