Summit County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Summit, OH

A DUI arrest is a stressful and confusing experience. On top of the legal ramifications, you’re likely wondering what happens to your car. In Summit, Ohio, your vehicle is typically impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle and what to expect.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Summit, Ohio, law enforcement officers typically impound your vehicle for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your arrest.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself may be considered evidence, especially if it was involved in an accident.
• Standard Procedure: Impounding vehicles is a standard operating procedure for DUI arrests in Summit County and throughout Ohio.

It's crucial to act quickly to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car has been towed is the first step to getting it back.

Official Impound Lots in Summit

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Summit right now. This section will be updated as soon as we have it.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your vehicle:

• Call Summit Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find out where your car is located is to contact the Summit County Police Department or Sheriff's Department. They should have a record of where your vehicle was towed.
• Phone: (Check the Summit County Police/Sheriff website for their non-emergency phone number)
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and the case number assigned to your DUI arrest. This will help them quickly locate the information.
• 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.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can retrieve your vehicle, you'll need to gather the necessary documents.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You or someone you authorize to pick up the vehicle needs a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance card or policy information.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest (which is likely), you can still get your car back.

• 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
• A signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to pick up the vehicle.
• The vehicle's title or registration in your name (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Summit

Understanding the costs associated with retrieving your vehicle is essential to avoid surprises.

Typical Fees

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the initial tow.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be additional administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle. The range can vary, so ask the impound lot for a breakdown.
• Release fee: A release fee might be charged at the time of pickup.

Payment Methods

[This information depends on the specific impound lot. Check with the lot when you call to confirm accepted payment methods. Common methods include: Cash, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), Debit Card.]

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

It's highly recommended to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of impoundment to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The fees associated with vehicle impoundment can be a significant financial burden.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider asking family or friends for assistance to cover the fees.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign over the title of your vehicle to the impound lot to cover the fees. This will prevent you from incurring further debt, but you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the costs.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning your vehicle can lead to further legal and financial consequences.

Special Situations

Certain situations may require additional steps or considerations.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If your vehicle is being held as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer by the police.

• Get release authorization first: You'll need to obtain a release authorization from the prosecutor or investigating officer before you can retrieve 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 it, regardless of your situation.

• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide their driver's license and the vehicle's title or registration to claim the vehicle.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your 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: Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and obtain a written record of your report.

Summit Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with data as it becomes available. Ideally, this will include a detailed list of impound lots in Summit, OH, with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and a map showing their locations.]

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Summit, Ohio, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney to protect your rights.