Pickens County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Pickens County

Being arrested for a DUI in Pickens County, South Carolina, is a stressful experience. On top of the legal ramifications, you're likely dealing with the immediate problem of getting your car back. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Pickens County. We understand this is a difficult time, and we aim to provide clear, actionable steps to minimize further stress and financial burden.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI in Pickens County, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent further driving under the influence and ensure public safety. The impound is often handled by a towing company contracted by law enforcement. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize fees and complications.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding out where your car has been towed is the first step. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Official Impound Lots in Pickens County

Unfortunately, we don't currently have specific impound lot data for Pickens County in our database. However, you can quickly locate your vehicle by following these steps.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Pickens County Police/Sheriff: Contact the Pickens County Police Department or the Pickens County Sheriff's Office immediately. Their non-emergency number is the best place to start.
• Reference your case number: Have your case number or arrest information ready when you call. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Your car is usually 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: You (or someone authorized to pick up the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: You'll need the vehicle's registration to prove ownership.
• Proof of insurance: Current proof of insurance for the vehicle is required.
• 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 is suspended or you don't have a valid license for another reason, you can still retrieve your vehicle by having someone else pick it up. They will need:

• Their valid driver's license.
• Authorization from you (a signed statement authorizing them to pick up the vehicle).
• The vehicle title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Pickens County

Understanding the costs associated with impound is vital to avoid surprises and plan accordingly.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to range from $150 to $300 or more.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can be $20 to $50 per day, or even higher.
• Administrative fees: These can range from $25 to $75.
• Release fee: A release fee might be around $50.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. This is why acting quickly is absolutely essential.

Payment Methods

We don't have specific payment method information for Pickens County impound lots yet. It's best to call the impound lot directly to confirm which payment methods they accept (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.). Some may not accept personal checks.

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, you should aim to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound to avoid accumulating significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You will lose your vehicle entirely if you don't act before this happens.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

We understand that the fees associated with vehicle impound can be a significant financial burden, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Asking for financial assistance from loved ones can be a viable solution.
• Payment plans: Some impound lots may offer payment plans, allowing you to pay off the fees in installments. 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 avoids accruing further debt but means you'll lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

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

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, you will need a release authorization from the investigating officer or the court before the impound lot will release it. Contact your attorney for assistance in obtaining this authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the car is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse), the registered owner can retrieve the vehicle 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

Thoroughly 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 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 file a formal complaint if necessary.

Pickens County Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with specific impound lot addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation as soon as we have that data available. Check back often for updates!]

We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Pickens County, SC. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and understand your options. If you are facing DUI charges, it is essential to consult with an experienced Pickens County DUI attorney as soon as possible.