Lee County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Lee County

Being arrested for DUI in Lee County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience. Beyond the legal ramifications, one of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? In many DUI cases, your vehicle will be impounded. This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your vehicle as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Lee County, SC, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving again while impaired.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle itself might be considered evidence.
• Liability: To protect the county from liability if you were to drive the vehicle in an impaired state after release.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car is impounded is crucial. Delay can lead to significant storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Lee County

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a database of specific impound lots operating in Lee County. However, this information will be updated as soon as it's available.

How to Find Your Vehicle

The quickest way to locate your vehicle is to contact the Lee County authorities.

• Call Lee County Police/Sheriff: We recommend calling the Lee County Sheriff's Department at their non-emergency number. You can find this number by searching online for "Lee County Sheriff's Department."
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork ready, as it contains your case number. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car is usually towed within 24 hours of your arrest, so act quickly.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

You'll typically need the following documents to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot:

• Valid driver's license: (or someone with a valid license) The person retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and other fees. Contact the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself. Here's what to do:

• 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.
• Authorization from you (a signed letter or form authorizing them to pick up the vehicle on your behalf). Contact the impound lot for specific requirements.
• Vehicle title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Lee County

Understanding the costs associated with impound is critical to avoiding further financial burden.

Typical Fees

Expect to pay several fees to retrieve your vehicle. These fees can vary, but common charges include:

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the tow.
• Daily storage: Storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day.
• Administrative fees: There are often administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle. Expect this to be in the $25 - $75 range.
• Release fee: A flat release fee may also be charged. This could be around $50.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. Every day your car sits in the impound lot, the cost increases. Retrieve your car as soon as possible to minimize expenses.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. We recommend calling the impound lot directly to confirm accepted payment methods. Common methods include:

• Cash
• Credit card
• Debit card

Timeline

Time is of the essence when retrieving your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

The best-case scenario is retrieving your vehicle within 24 hours of the impound. This will minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

If you fail to retrieve your vehicle within a certain period (usually 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial constraints can make retrieving your vehicle challenging, but there are options.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Seek assistance from loved ones to cover the fees.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans. Inquire about this option.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle over 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: Procrastinating only increases the fees. Act immediately.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can result in further legal penalties and negatively impact your credit.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, retrieving it may take longer.

• May be held longer by police: The police will notify you when they are finished with the vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police department allowing you to retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name, they have the right to retrieve it regardless of your situation.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner needs to present proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license.
• They'll need proof of ownership: Title or registration documents.

After Retrieval

Once you retrieve 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.
• Take photos: Photograph the damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report the damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report.

Lee County Impound Lot Locations

We are currently gathering information on specific impound lot locations in Lee County. This section will be updated as soon as possible with a detailed list, addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references. In the meantime, contact the Lee County Sheriff's Department for the location of your vehicle.

This guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing DUI charges in Lee County, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified South Carolina DUI attorney.