Orangeburg County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Orangeburg County

Being arrested for a DUI in Orangeburg County, South Carolina is a stressful experience. On top of the legal ramifications, you're likely dealing with the immediate issue of your vehicle being impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to help you retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. Your DUI.Guide is here to help you navigate this process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in South Carolina, law enforcement typically impounds your vehicle. This is standard procedure to ensure public safety and prevent further illegal activity. It’s crucial to understand the process of retrieving your vehicle as soon as possible to minimize storage fees and avoid further complications.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your impounded vehicle. Time is of the essence as storage fees accrue daily.

Official Impound Lots in Orangeburg County

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Orangeburg County at this time. However, we will update this section as soon as the information becomes available. In the meantime, follow the steps below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Orangeburg County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Orangeburg County Police Department or the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office immediately. Their phone number is likely available on the Orangeburg County government website or by searching online.
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate the impound information for your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest to a designated impound lot or towing company's storage facility.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

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

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of current vehicle registration is required.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to provide proof of valid insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Contact the impound lot to confirm accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license, you'll need someone else to pick up the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A licensed driver can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization from you (a notarized letter might be required - check with the impound lot).
• The vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Orangeburg County

Understanding the costs involved is critical for planning and budgeting.

Typical Fees

IMPORTANT: These are estimated ranges. Contact the specific impound lot for exact figures. Fees accumulate daily, so act quickly.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $[15 - 50] (This is a general estimate. Actual fees may vary.)
• Release fee: $[25 - 75] (This is a general estimate. Actual fees may vary.)

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, we don't have specific payment method information for Orangeburg County impound lots. Call the impound lot directly to confirm which payment methods they accept (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is critical to avoid additional fees and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Retrieving your car within 24 hours of impound is highly recommended to minimize daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

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: Consider asking for assistance from loved ones to cover the fees.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some facilities may offer this option to help you manage the costs.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you might be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot to cover the fees and avoid accumulating further debt. However, this means you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal issues and fines.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require special consideration.

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

• May be held longer by police: The release of your vehicle will depend on the progress of your case.
• Get release authorization first: Contact your attorney or the investigating officer to obtain written authorization for the vehicle's release before attempting to retrieve it.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The owner must present the necessary documents (driver's license, registration, proof of insurance).
• They'll need proof of ownership: This includes the vehicle's title or registration.

After Retrieval

After retrieving your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Capture photographic evidence of any damage.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written complaint.

Orangeburg County Impound Lot Locations

We are currently gathering information on specific impound lot locations in Orangeburg County. Please check back soon for a detailed list with addresses and contact information. In the meantime, contact the Orangeburg County Police Department or Sheriff's Office to determine where your vehicle is located.

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Orangeburg County, it is crucial to consult with an experienced DUI attorney to protect your rights and navigate the legal process.