Putnam County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Putnam

Being arrested for a DUI in Putnam, Ohio is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely dealing with the immediate issue of your impounded vehicle. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your car and minimize expenses. DUI.Guide is here to help you navigate this difficult time.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Putnam County, your vehicle is often impounded. This is standard procedure, primarily to prevent you from driving while impaired, and to preserve potential evidence related to your case. Understanding the impound process is the first step in getting your car back quickly and efficiently.

Where Is Your Car?

Locating your vehicle is crucial. It's likely at an official impound lot in Putnam County. Here's how to find it:

Official Impound Lots in Putnam

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot information for Putnam County at this time. However, we are working to gather this data. In the meantime, follow the steps below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Putnam Police/Sheriff: This is your first step. Contact the law enforcement agency that arrested you. Ask them where your vehicle was towed. Their non-emergency number is generally available online.
• 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: Your car should be at the impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Start your search immediately to minimize storage fees.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is, you need the proper documentation to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You (or the person retrieving the car) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing and storage fees (see below).

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can't retrieve the car yourself.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you (a signed note), and the vehicle's title or registration proving ownership (or a copy).

Costs & Fees in Putnam

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the costs is vital.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These fees vary but can range from $[range].
• Release fee: A separate fee might be charged for releasing the vehicle, potentially around $[amount].

IMPORTANT: These are estimates. Fees can vary between impound lots. Contact the specific impound lot for exact figures. The daily storage fees are the most pressing concern.

Payment Methods

We are still gathering information on the specific payment methods accepted by impound lots in Putnam County. However, it's safe to assume that most will accept cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Call the impound lot directly to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Time is of the essence to minimize costs.

Within 24 Hours

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

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about payment plan options. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to cover the fees. This avoids accumulating further debt but means you'll lose your car.

What NOT to Do

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

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, retrieval will be delayed.

• May be held longer by police: The duration depends on the investigation.
• Get release authorization first: You'll need written authorization from the Putnam County Prosecutor's Office or the investigating officer before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member or leasing company), they have the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They don't need your permission if they are the registered owner.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They'll need to present the vehicle title or registration in their name.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your car for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and document the report.

Putnam Impound Lot Locations

We are actively collecting data on specific impound lot locations in Putnam County. Please check back soon for a detailed list with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references. In the meantime, follow the instructions above to contact the Putnam Police or Sheriff's Department to locate your vehicle.

We understand this is a challenging time. DUI.Guide is committed to providing you with the information you need to navigate the legal and practical challenges of a DUI arrest in Putnam County, Ohio.