Lucas County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lucas

Being arrested for a DUI in Lucas, Ohio, is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal consequences, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. It's common practice for vehicles to be impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your car as quickly and affordably as possible. We understand this is a challenging time, and we aim to make the process of getting your car back as straightforward as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (driving under the influence) in Lucas, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence.
• Standard Procedure: It's a standard operating procedure for DUI arrests in Lucas County.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in taking action to retrieve it.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is located is crucial to beginning the retrieval process. Most vehicles are towed to official impound lots within Lucas County.

Official Impound Lots in Lucas

Unfortunately, we don't have impound lot data available yet. Please check back soon as we are actively gathering that information. In the meantime, the best approach is outlined below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Lucas Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find your vehicle is to contact the Lucas Police Department or the Lucas County Sheriff's Office.
• Important: We will add the phone number here once available
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your arrest paperwork or case number ready. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): A valid driver's license is essential. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone with a valid license to pick up the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of ownership is required.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash and credit cards, but it's always best to confirm with the specific lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, don't worry. You can still get your car back.

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

Costs & Fees in Lucas

Understanding the costs involved is critical because fees accumulate daily. Acting quickly can save you a significant amount of money.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for towing.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate, so prioritize retrieving your vehicle.
• Administrative fees: These fees can vary, typically ranging from $[range – we will update this with local data as it becomes available].
• Release fee: A release fee of $[amount – we will update this with local data as it becomes available] may also be charged.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Get your car ASAP to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Check with the specific lot to determine if they accept cash, credit cards, or money orders. We will update this section with more specific information as we gather local impound lot data.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your car as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the impound. This will help you avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you don't retrieve your vehicle within approximately 30 days, the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This means you'll lose your car entirely.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

We understand that the fees associated with retrieving your vehicle can be a significant burden, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from loved ones to cover the costs.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire about this possibility.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to avoid incurring further debt. However, this means you will 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 can lead to further legal complications and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain situations can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer than usual.

• May be held longer by police: Contact the investigating officer 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 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 will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: This ensures they are the legal owner of the vehicle.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take detailed photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Lucas Impound Lot Locations

We are actively gathering data on Lucas impound lot locations and will update this section shortly with detailed addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references.

Please check back soon for updated information.

This guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing DUI charges in Lucas County, Ohio, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney to protect your rights.