Fayette County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Fayette

Being arrested for DUI in Fayette, Ohio is stressful enough. Dealing with the aftermath, including getting your car back from the impound lot, can feel overwhelming. This guide provides practical steps to help you navigate the process of vehicle retrieval in Fayette County. Your vehicle is typically impounded after a DUI arrest to ensure public safety and prevent further potential offenses. This guide will walk you through where your car likely is, what you need to get it back, and what to do if you're facing financial difficulties.

Where Is Your Car?

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is usually towed to an official impound lot. Knowing where to start looking is the first step to getting your car back.

Official Impound Lots in Fayette

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot information for Fayette County in our database. However, you can quickly locate your vehicle by following the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Fayette Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find out where your car is located is to contact the Fayette County Police Department or the Sheriff's Office. They will have a record of where your vehicle was towed.
• You can typically reach them at the non-emergency number for the Fayette County Sheriff's Department. Search online for "Fayette County Sheriff's Department phone number."
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your case number or arrest information ready. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound 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. 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 crucial for a smooth retrieval process. Make sure you have the following readily available:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need the vehicle's current registration to prove ownership.
• Proof of insurance: Provide proof that the vehicle is insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for fees. Contact the impound lot directly to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

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

• Have someone else pick it up: A licensed driver 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.
• The vehicle's title or registration to prove ownership.

Costs & Fees in Fayette

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to avoid surprises. Impound fees can accumulate quickly, so acting fast is essential.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial towing charge.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where the costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with the impound, the range typically falling between $25-$75.
• Release fee: A release fee, typically around $50, might be charged when you finally retrieve the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to get your car back.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to vehicle retrieval.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This will minimize the daily storage fees and keep the overall cost down.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically around 30 days, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You risk losing your vehicle permanently if you don't act quickly.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Asking for financial assistance from loved ones can be a viable option.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots might offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you might be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt but means you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Procrastination will only lead to higher fees.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can result in additional fines and legal repercussions.

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, it may be held for a longer period. You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the police department before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name, the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you have your car back, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or while it was in the impound lot.

Document any damage immediately

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

Take photos

Take clear photos of the damage from various angles.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Report the damage to the impound lot manager as soon as possible. File a written claim with them, if necessary.

Fayette Impound Lot Locations

(As mentioned earlier, we are still collecting data on specific Fayette County impound lot locations. Contacting the Fayette County Sheriff's Department or local police is the best way to find your car quickly.)

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. It is always best to consult with an attorney regarding your specific situation. Good luck getting your car back!