Highland County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Highland

Being arrested for DUI in Highland, Ohio is a stressful experience. On top of the legal worries, you're likely wondering what happens to your car. One of the first things that happens after a DUI arrest is often vehicle impoundment. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Highland, your vehicle is typically impounded for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence: Your vehicle might be considered evidence in your case, especially if there was an accident.
• Standard Procedure: Impoundment is a common procedure following a DUI arrest in Ohio.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. The sooner you act, the better, as fees can add up quickly.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle is located is crucial. Here's how:

Official Impound Lots in Highland

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Highland in this database yet. However, most vehicles are taken to a local impound lot contracted by the Highland County Sheriff's Office or the police department that made the arrest.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Highland Police/Sheriff: Your best bet is to contact the Highland County Sheriff's Office or the police department that arrested you. They can tell you exactly where your car was towed.
• (If applicable, otherwise remove)
• Reference your case number: Have your case number or arrest information ready when you call. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your car will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you'll need the following documents to retrieve it:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You or someone you authorize to pick up the vehicle needs a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you (or the authorized person) are the registered owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Check with the specific lot for accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to pick up the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle).
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Highland

Understanding the costs involved is critical to retrieving your vehicle promptly.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to be in the range of $150-$300.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20-$50 per day. This is the fee that will accumulate the fastest, so time is of the essence.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, but expect them to be around $[25-75].
• Release fee: A one-time fee for releasing the vehicle, which might be around $[50-100].

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

Payment Methods

Since we don't have specific impound lot data, it's best to call the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods. Most accept cash and major credit cards.

Timeline

Knowing the timeline is crucial to avoid losing your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of impoundment to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within 30 days, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots might offer payment plans. Ask if this is an option.
• 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 you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: As mentioned before, fees add up incredibly fast.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal trouble and fines.

Special Situations

Certain situations can 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.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written 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 (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.
• Take photos: Take detailed photos of any damage.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and file a written claim.

Highland Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we do not have a detailed list of impound lot locations for Highland at this time. We recommend contacting the Highland County Sheriff's Office or the arresting police department for this information.

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Highland can be a challenging process, but by following these steps, you can navigate the system and get your car back as quickly and affordably as possible. Remember to act fast to minimize fees and protect your rights. Good luck.