Van Wert County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Van Wert

Being arrested for DUI in Van Wert, Ohio is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely facing the immediate problem of getting your vehicle back. This guide provides practical steps to help you navigate the impound process and retrieve your car as quickly as possible. Understanding the process and acting swiftly can save you significant money in towing and storage fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Van Wert, Ohio, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is done for several reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your arrest.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle might be held as evidence, especially if there was an accident involved.
• Liability: Impounding protects the police department and towing companies from liability if something were to happen to the vehicle while left unattended.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. It’s likely been towed to an official impound lot.

Official Impound Lots in Van Wert

[List impound lots from database with addresses, phones, hours] Example: Van Wert Towing, 123 Main St, Van Wert, OH, (419) XXX-XXXX, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (Add more impound lots as data becomes available)

How to Find Your Vehicle

If you're unsure where your car was towed, here's how to find out:

• Call Van Wert Police/Sheriff: Contact the Van Wert Police Department or the Van Wert County Sheriff's Office immediately. Their phone number is likely available on their website or by searching online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, gather the necessary documents to avoid delays and potential rejections.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with valid license): You or the person retrieving the vehicle MUST have 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, and many accept credit cards. Confirm acceptable payment methods with the specific impound lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license has been suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license: The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid license.
• Authorization from you: A signed letter or document authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. This letter should include your name, the vehicle's make and model, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and the date.
• Vehicle title/registration: Proof of ownership of the vehicle.

Costs & Fees in Van Wert

Impound fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is crucial.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to be in the range of $150-$300.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20-$50 per day.
• Administrative fees: These can vary, potentially ranging from $[range].
• Release fee: A one-time fee to release the vehicle, potentially around $[amount].

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle. Act quickly!

Payment Methods

[Cash, credit card, etc. - from impound lot data if available] Example: Most impound lots in Van Wert accept cash and major credit cards. Check with the specific lot for accepted forms of payment.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, you should aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This will minimize the daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Ohio, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover the outstanding fees.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

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

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the most straightforward solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about potential payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you, but this is not guaranteed.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign over the title of the vehicle to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and potential fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case (especially if an accident occurred), it may be held for a longer period. You will need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer or the prosecutor 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 spouse, parent, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest. They will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document any damage immediately

If you find any damage, document it immediately.

Take photos

Take detailed photos of the damage as evidence.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Report the damage to the impound lot manager in writing as soon as possible. Keep a copy of the report for your records. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Van Wert Impound Lot Locations

[Detailed list with map references if available. Add location and contact information for each impound lot.]

Example:

• Van Wert Towing: 123 Main St, Van Wert, OH, (419) XXX-XXXX. [Map Link]

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Van Wert, Ohio, it is essential to consult with a qualified DUI attorney as soon as possible.