Coffee County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Coffee

A DUI arrest in Coffee, Tennessee can be a stressful and confusing experience. Beyond the legal implications, one immediate concern is often: where is my car, and how do I get it back? This guide provides practical information to help you navigate the vehicle impound and retrieval process in Coffee County following a DUI arrest.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Coffee, TN, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure and serves several purposes:

• Public Safety: Removing an intoxicated driver and their vehicle from the road prevents further potential harm.
• Evidence Preservation: The vehicle might be needed as evidence in your DUI case.
• Enforcement of the Law: Impoundment is a consequence of driving under the influence.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is the immediate priority. Time is of the essence because impound fees accumulate daily.

Official Impound Lots in Coffee

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data available for Coffee County at this time. However, common practices dictate that your vehicle will likely be at a local towing company contracted by the Coffee County Sheriff's Department or the Coffee Police Department.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Coffee Police/Sheriff: Contact the Coffee County Sheriff's Department or the Coffee Police Department as soon as possible. They will be able to tell you where your vehicle was towed.
• Coffee Police Department:
• Coffee County Sheriff's Department:
• Reference your case number: When you call, have your case number (if you have it) or any identifying information from your arrest ready. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your car will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Contacting the police or sheriff's department as soon as you can is crucial.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your car is impounded, you'll need the proper documentation to retrieve it.

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. If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot retrieve the vehicle yourself.
• Vehicle registration: You need proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: You'll need to show proof of current vehicle insurance.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for payment of fees. Confirm accepted payment methods with the specific impound lot.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended or you don't have a valid license, you can still retrieve your vehicle, but you'll need someone else to do it for you.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle. A simple signed and dated note will usually suffice.
• Vehicle title or registration proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Coffee

Understanding the costs involved is vital to planning your vehicle retrieval.

Typical Fees

Keep in mind that these are estimated ranges. Contact the specific impound lot for accurate pricing.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $
• Release fee: $

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

Payment Methods

Timeline

Acting quickly is crucial to minimizing costs.

Within 24 Hours

Try to retrieve your car within the first 24 hours to avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If your vehicle remains unclaimed after approximately 30 days, the impound lot may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing hefty impound fees can be daunting, especially after a DUI arrest.

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. Contact the impound lot directly to inquire about payment options.
• Sign vehicle over to the impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle over to the impound lot to cover the accumulated fees. This avoids further debt but means you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

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

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may require additional steps.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may be held for a longer period.

• May be held longer by police: The police will notify you when the vehicle is no longer needed as evidence.
• Get release authorization first: Before going to the impound lot, obtain written authorization from the police or the District Attorney's office allowing you to retrieve the vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent, spouse), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: They will need their valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take a few 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: Take clear photos of any damage as proof.
• Report damage to the impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written acknowledgment of your report.

Coffee Impound Lot Locations

This guide is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI in Coffee, TN, it is essential to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your legal options.