Georgetown County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Georgetown County

Being arrested for a DUI in Georgetown County, South Carolina is a stressful experience. On top of the legal hurdles you're now facing, you also have to deal with the immediate practical problem of getting your car back. This guide provides you with the information you need to retrieve your vehicle quickly and avoid unnecessary fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Georgetown County, your vehicle is almost always impounded. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further violations. The police will arrange for a tow truck to move your vehicle to an official impound lot. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize expenses and potential complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the first step. Don't delay! Daily storage fees can add up quickly.

Official Impound Lots in Georgetown County

Unfortunately, we don't have a specific list of official impound lots in Georgetown County available right now. However, the Georgetown County Sheriff's Department or the arresting officer will be able to provide you with this information.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Georgetown County Police/Sheriff: The quickest way to locate your vehicle is to contact the Georgetown County Sheriff's Department. You can find their contact information online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, be sure to provide your case number (if you have it) and any other information you recall from the arrest. This will help them locate your vehicle more efficiently.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: It's highly likely your vehicle was towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Contact the Sheriff's Department as soon as possible to start the retrieval process.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Gathering the necessary documentation is essential for a smooth retrieval process.

Required Documents

Generally, you'll need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: The vehicle registration proves ownership of the car.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• 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 was suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid license to retrieve the vehicle. They will need to bring:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you: A signed statement authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• Vehicle title/registration: Proof of ownership is still required.

Costs & Fees in Georgetown County

Understanding the costs involved is critical to planning your retrieval strategy. These fees can accumulate rapidly, so act fast!

Typical Fees

Keep in mind that these are estimates and actual fees may vary. Confirm the exact amounts with the impound lot.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300 (This is the cost of towing your car from the arrest location to the impound lot.)
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day (This is charged for each day your car is stored at the impound lot.)
• Administrative fees: $[Range] (These fees cover the paperwork and processing involved in the impound and release.)
• Release fee: $[Amount] (A final fee charged for releasing the vehicle.)

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more it will cost to get your car back.

Payment Methods

Contact the specific impound lot holding your vehicle to confirm their accepted payment methods. Generally, most lots accept:

• Cash
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• (Some may accept debit cards)

Timeline

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

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours of impound. This will help you avoid most of the daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, typically after 30 days, the impound lot has the 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 arrest is common. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot to see if they offer any payment plans. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign over the title of the vehicle to the impound lot. This avoids accruing further 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 financially.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to additional legal penalties and further financial burdens.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police believe your vehicle contains evidence related to the DUI, they may hold it for a longer period. You will need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer before you can retrieve it. Contact the Georgetown County Sheriff's Department for instructions.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member or a leasing company), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it, regardless of your situation. They will need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and their valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during the towing or storage process.

Document any damage immediately

If you find any damage, document it thoroughly with photographs and written notes.

Take photos

Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles.

Report damage to impound lot manager

Report the damage to the impound lot manager immediately. Get their name and contact information, and file a written claim for the damage.

Georgetown County Impound Lot Locations

(As mentioned earlier, we currently lack a specific list of impound lot locations for Georgetown County. Contact the Georgetown County Sheriff's Department for this information.)

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you are facing DUI charges in Georgetown County, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney to protect your rights. Good luck!