Colleton County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Colleton County

Being arrested for a DUI in Colleton County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. Typically, after a DUI arrest, your car is impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle and what to expect during the process. Understanding your rights and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing costs and potential complications.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher in South Carolina, law enforcement will often impound your vehicle. This is usually done for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again immediately after your arrest.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence in the case.
• Standard Procedure: It's a standard operating procedure for many law enforcement agencies after a DUI arrest.

Where Is Your Car?

The most pressing question after a DUI arrest is, "Where is my car?" Finding out its location is the first step to getting it back.

Official Impound Lots in Colleton County

[Note: Since there is no impound lot data available, we will provide general guidance. Once the database is populated, replace this with specific information.]

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a list of official impound lots for Colleton County. However, most impounded vehicles are taken to local towing companies contracted by the Colleton County Sheriff's Office or the police department of the municipality where you were arrested.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle:

• Call Colleton County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Colleton County Sheriff's Office or the police department that made the arrest. Their non-emergency number is likely available online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, be sure to have your case number or arrest information readily available. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Be aware that your vehicle is generally towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You or the person retrieving the vehicle on your behalf must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you (or someone authorizing the pickup).
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards to cover towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to do it for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Colleton County

Understanding the costs involved in retrieving your vehicle is essential to avoid surprises. Fees accumulate quickly, so acting fast is critical.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing fee.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with the impound release. Expect to pay between $25 - $75.
• Release fee: A release fee may be charged in addition to the other fees. This could be around $50.

IMPORTANT: These fees can add up significantly each day your vehicle remains impounded. The sooner you retrieve your vehicle, the lower the total cost will be.

Payment Methods

[Note: This section will be updated when impound lot data becomes available, providing specific payment methods accepted by local impound lots.]

Generally, impound lots in South Carolina accept cash and major credit cards. It's always best to call the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours of it being impounded, to minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your 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 their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI arrest can strain your finances, making it difficult to afford impound fees.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider borrowing money from family or friends to cover the fees.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire if the impound lot offers payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you on a payment arrangement.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot to avoid accumulating further debt, but you will lose the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastinating will only increase the fees you owe.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle could result in additional legal consequences.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your vehicle as evidence, it may be held longer than usual. You will need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer before you can retrieve it. Contact your attorney to assist with this process.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else, the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

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

Document any damage immediately

Document any damage with photos and a written description.

Take photos

Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and obtain a written acknowledgement of your report. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages.

Colleton County Impound Lot Locations

[Note: This section will be populated with detailed information on Colleton County impound lot locations, including addresses and map references, as soon as the data becomes available.]

In the meantime, contact the Colleton County Sheriff's Office or the police department responsible for your arrest to determine the exact location of your impounded vehicle.

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. It is highly recommended to consult with a qualified DUI attorney in Colleton County, South Carolina, to discuss your specific situation and legal options.