Bradley County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Bradley

Being arrested for a DUI in Bradley, Tennessee is a stressful experience. On top of the legal challenges, you're likely facing the immediate problem of retrieving your impounded vehicle. This guide provides practical steps and information to help you navigate the process of getting your car back as quickly and efficiently as possible. Time is of the essence, as impound fees accumulate daily.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Bradley, TN, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to prevent further illegal activity, ensure public safety, and preserve the vehicle as potential evidence. Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in understanding how to get it back.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step is locating your vehicle. It's crucial to act quickly to minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Bradley

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot details for Bradley County at this time. However, the following general steps should help you locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Bradley Police/Sheriff: The most direct route is to contact the Bradley Police Department or the Bradley County Sheriff's Office. They will have a record of where your vehicle was towed.

• Unfortunately, we don't have the specific phone number. Search online for "Bradley Police Department phone number" or "Bradley County Sheriff's Office phone number."

• Reference your case number: When you call, have your case number or arrest information readily available. This will help them quickly locate your vehicle's impound location.

• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities.

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 (or someone with valid license): You, or the person retrieving the vehicle, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that you (or they) are the registered owner of the vehicle.
• Proof of insurance: Evidence that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage 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 how someone else can pick it up:

• 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 letter from you, giving them permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• A copy of the vehicle title or registration, proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Bradley

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for budgeting and planning.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release of the vehicle.
• Release fee: A final release fee might be charged upon retrieval.

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. Common methods include:

• Cash
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Debit card

Timeline

Understanding the timeline is essential to avoid losing your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to minimize storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), 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

If you're struggling to afford the impound fees, explore these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Some impound lots may offer payment plans, but this is not guaranteed. Inquire directly with the impound lot.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle title over to the impound lot. This avoids accumulating further debt but means you permanently lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait - fees add up fast: Procrastination will only worsen the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal consequences and negatively impact your credit.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence in your DUI case, it may be held longer.

• May be held longer by police: Contact your attorney or the investigating officer to determine when the vehicle will be released.
• Get release authorization first: You will need written authorization from the police or court before the impound lot will release the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They'll need to provide proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration) and a valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take these important steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Photograph any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and document the report in writing.

Bradley Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we do not have a detailed list of impound lots in Bradley County at this time. Please contact the Bradley Police Department or the Bradley County Sheriff's Office to determine the location of your vehicle. Search online for "Bradley Police Department phone number" or "Bradley County Sheriff's Office phone number."

We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Bradley, TN. Remember to act quickly and gather all the necessary documentation to minimize costs and avoid further complications. Good luck!