Clark County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Clark

(dui.guide - Your Guide to DUI in Clark, Ohio)

Being arrested for DUI in Clark, Ohio is stressful, and one immediate concern is: what happens to my car? This guide provides the practical information you need to retrieve your impounded vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible. Time is of the essence because storage fees accumulate daily!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Clark County, Ohio, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further illegal activity. It's crucial to understand the process of retrieving your car to avoid unnecessary fees and complications.

Where Is Your Car?

After your arrest, your car will be towed to an official impound lot. Identifying the specific lot is your first step.

Official Impound Lots in Clark

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Clark County available yet. However, here's how to find out where your car is located:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Clark Police/Sheriff: Contact the Clark County Police Department or Sheriff's Office. You can usually find their non-emergency number online.
• Reference Your Case Number: When you call, provide your name and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Timing: Most vehicles are towed within 24 hours of the arrest. Contacting them as soon as possible is recommended.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation. Prepare these items before heading to the impound lot.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's License: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle Registration: Bring the vehicle's current registration.
• Proof of Insurance: Provide proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or Credit Card: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Check with the impound lot about accepted payment methods beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot drive the vehicle yourself. You have two options:

• 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.
• The vehicle's title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Clark

Understanding the costs associated with vehicle impound is critical. Fees accumulate quickly, so prompt action is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily Storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is the most significant cost driver, so act quickly!
• Administrative Fees: Administrative fees can range from $[range] (we'll update this with Clark County specific data as soon as it becomes available).
• Release Fee: A release fee of $[amount] may also be required (we'll update this with Clark County specific data as soon as it becomes available).

IMPORTANT: These fees can add up very quickly. Every day you delay retrieving your car, the total cost increases.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Contact the specific lot where your vehicle is stored to confirm acceptable payment options (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

Understanding the timeline for retrieving your vehicle is crucial to avoid further complications.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This means you will lose your car entirely.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing financial hardship after a DUI arrest is common. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: Ask for assistance from family or friends to cover the towing and storage fees.
• Payment Plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option directly with the lot.
• Sign Vehicle Over to Impound Lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt but will also mean you lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can lead to further legal consequences.

Special Situations

Certain situations may complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, you will need written authorization from the investigating officer or the prosecutor before the impound lot will release it. Contact your attorney or the police department to obtain this release.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (registration or title) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these precautions:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document Any Damage Immediately

If you find any damage, document it with photos and a written description.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report the damage to the impound lot manager immediately. Obtain a written acknowledgement of your report. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Clark Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of Clark County impound lot locations, addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as soon as we have that data available. Please check back soon!]

We hope this guide helps you navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Clark County. Remember, time is of the essence to minimize fees and prevent further complications. If you are facing DUI charges, seeking legal counsel from an experienced DUI attorney is highly recommended.