Brown County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Brown

Being arrested for a DUI in Brown, Ohio can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the first things you'll likely be worried about is your vehicle. This guide is designed to provide you with the immediate, practical information you need to retrieve your impounded car after a DUI arrest in Brown County. The clock is ticking - fees accumulate daily, so understanding the process now is crucial.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Brown County, your vehicle is often impounded for several reasons. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent the vehicle from being used again while you are potentially impaired. It also allows law enforcement to secure the vehicle if it's needed as evidence.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. It's likely at an official impound lot.

Official Impound Lots in Brown

Unfortunately, we don't have a specific list of official impound lots in Brown County at this time. This information is being researched and will be updated as soon as possible. However, you can use the methods below to quickly find your car.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Brown Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find your car is to contact the Brown County Police Department or the Brown County Sheriff's Office.
• Brown County Sheriff's Office:
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your case number ready. This will help them quickly locate the information about your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car will likely be towed within 24 hours of your arrest, so act quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Evidence that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the impound fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you can still get your car back, but you'll need help.

• Have someone else pick it up: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed note or, ideally, a notarized letter).
• The vehicle title or registration proving ownership (or a copy).

Costs & Fees in Brown

The cost of retrieving your vehicle can be significant, and these fees accumulate daily.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This can vary depending on the distance towed and the towing company).
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is where costs quickly add up!).
• Administrative fees: $[Range - To be added when data is available]
• Release fee: $[Amount - To be added when data is available]

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Retrieving your car as soon as possible is the best way to minimize costs. Every day you wait adds to the total amount you'll owe.

Payment Methods

[Cash, credit card, etc. - This will be updated when impound lot data is available. It's best to call the impound lot ahead of time to confirm acceptable payment methods.]

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is essential to avoid further complications.

Within 24 Hours

The best-case scenario is retrieving your car within 24 hours of the impound. This minimizes storage fees significantly.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within approximately 30 days, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This is a worst-case scenario, so avoid it at all costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The impound fees can be a significant financial burden, especially after a DUI arrest. 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 manager about payment plan options. Some lots may be willing to work with you.
• Sign the vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): This is a last resort. You can sign the title over to the impound lot to cover the fees, but you will lose ownership of your vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain situations require special consideration.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, you will need to obtain a release authorization from the Brown County Prosecutor's Office or the investigating officer before you can retrieve it. Contact them directly to inquire about the process.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take photos and videos of any dents, scratches, or other damage you find.

Take Photos

These photos will serve as evidence if you need to file a claim for damages.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report.

Brown Impound Lot Locations

[This section will contain a detailed list of Brown County impound lot locations, addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. This data is currently being researched and will be added as soon as possible. We will also include map references if available.]

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. It is essential to consult with an attorney regarding your specific DUI case.