Cocke County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Cocke

A DUI arrest in Cocke, Tennessee, can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the immediate concerns after your arrest is often: What happened to my car? In most cases, your vehicle will be impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle in Cocke County, Tennessee, minimizing further stress and expense.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

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

• Safety: To prevent you from driving while intoxicated again.
• Evidence: The vehicle itself might be considered evidence in your case (though this is less common).
• Liability: The arresting agency wants to avoid liability for any damages that might occur if you were to drive under the influence.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. The longer you wait, the more you'll pay in fees, so acting quickly is crucial.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the first step. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily.

Official Impound Lots in Cocke

Unfortunately, we don't currently have a database of official impound lots in Cocke County. However, we're working to gather this information. In the meantime, follow the steps below to locate your vehicle.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Cocke County Police/Sheriff: The most direct way to find out where your car is impounded is to contact the Cocke County law enforcement agency that arrested you.
• Cocke County Sheriff's Department:
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your case number or arrest information readily available. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Generally, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you can get your car back, you'll need to gather the necessary documents.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered to you or the person authorized to pick it up.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash and credit cards, but it's always best to confirm accepted payment methods with the specific lot beforehand.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or revoked due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else to retrieve the vehicle for you. They will need:

• 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 or registration.

Costs & Fees in Cocke

Understanding the costs involved is crucial to planning your retrieval strategy.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees can range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: Administrative fees can vary, so inquire about the specific amount.
• Release fee: There may also be a release fee, which is a one-time charge for releasing the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. Act quickly to minimize these costs.

Payment Methods

Payment methods vary by impound lot. Contact the specific lot where your car is being held to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.). Some may not accept personal checks.

Timeline

Within 24 Hours

The best-case scenario is to retrieve your car within 24 hours of the impound. This will avoid accruing significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after approximately 30 days, the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. You'll lose your vehicle permanently if this happens.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Many people face financial difficulties after a DUI arrest, making it challenging to pay impound fees. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest and easiest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some may be willing to work with you.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the accumulating debt but means you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up rapidly. Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle will not make the debt disappear and could result in further legal consequences.

Special Situations

If Your Car Was Evidence

In rare cases, your vehicle might be held longer by the police if it's considered evidence in your DUI case. If this is the case, you'll need to obtain a release authorization from the investigating officer before you can retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

Check Your Vehicle

Carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take photographs of any damage you find.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and obtain a written acknowledgment of your report. This will be crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

Cocke Impound Lot Locations

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot location data for Cocke County at this time. However, contacting the Cocke County Sheriff's Department is the best way to find out where your vehicle is located.

While facing a DUI charge is difficult, taking prompt action to retrieve your vehicle can save you significant money and stress. We hope this guide has provided valuable information to help you navigate the process in Cocke County, Tennessee. Remember to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the legal aspects of your DUI charge.