Fairfield County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Fairfield County

Being arrested for a DUI in Fairfield County, South Carolina is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges you now face, you’re likely dealing with the immediate problem of getting your vehicle back. This guide provides immediate, practical advice on how to retrieve your impounded car in Fairfield County.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in South Carolina, your vehicle is often impounded for several reasons. This is standard procedure to prevent further potential offenses, ensure public safety, and allow law enforcement to process the arrest effectively. Understanding this process is the first step toward getting your car back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your vehicle has been taken is crucial. Here's how to locate it:

Official Impound Lots in Fairfield County

Unfortunately, we currently don't have specific impound lot information for Fairfield County in our database. However, we are actively working to gather this information and will update this guide as soon as possible.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Fairfield County Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to find out where your car is located is to contact the Fairfield County Police Department or the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office. You can usually find their contact information online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, be sure to have your arrest information readily available, including your case number (if you have it). This will help them locate your vehicle more efficiently.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Retrieving your vehicle requires specific documentation. Be prepared to provide the following:

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): A valid driver's license is essential for proving you are authorized to drive the vehicle. If your license is suspended, see the section below.
• Vehicle registration: This proves ownership of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: You must demonstrate that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for payment of towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver’s license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed statement giving them permission)
• Vehicle title or registration (proving ownership)

Costs & Fees in Fairfield County

Understanding the costs associated with impoundment is critical. These fees can add up quickly, so acting fast is important.

Typical Fees

Please note that these are estimates. Contact the specific impound lot for accurate and up-to-date pricing.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $[Depending on the impound lot, this can be between $25-$75]
• Release fee: $[Usually a small fee around $25]

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait to retrieve your car, the more expensive it will become.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. It's best to call the specific impound lot to confirm what forms of payment they accept. Common methods include cash and major credit cards.

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

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

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for 30 days or more, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. This means you could lose your vehicle permanently.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing a DUI is expensive, and the impound fees can add to the financial burden. Here are some options if you're struggling to afford the fees:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Consider asking family or friends for financial assistance to cover the impound fees.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay the fees in installments. Inquire directly with the impound lot 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's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the 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 total cost of retrieving your vehicle.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal complications and financial penalties.

Special Situations

Certain situations may complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

• May be held longer by police: The police will need to complete their investigation before releasing the vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the investigating officer or the Fairfield County Police Department/Sheriff's Office to obtain a release authorization before attempting to retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a parent, spouse, or leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner's driving record is irrelevant in this case.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

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

Check Your Vehicle

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

• Document any damage immediately: Note any scratches, dents, or other damage you find.
• Take photos: Take clear photos of the damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Fairfield County Impound Lot Locations

As mentioned previously, we are still gathering specific impound lot information for Fairfield County. Please contact the Fairfield County Police Department or the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office for assistance in locating your vehicle. We will update this guide as soon as we have more detailed information.

We hope this guide has provided you with helpful information on retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Fairfield County, SC. Remember to act quickly and gather all necessary documentation to minimize costs and potential complications.