Giles County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Giles

Being arrested for DUI in Giles, TN is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? Typically, your vehicle is impounded after a DUI arrest. This guide provides the information you need to understand the impound process and retrieve your vehicle as quickly and affordably as possible. Time is of the essence, as storage fees accumulate daily!

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

Following a DUI arrest in Giles County, your vehicle is usually impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle may be held as evidence.
• Liability: The arresting officer or agency needs to ensure the vehicle is safely stored and not abandoned.

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

Where Is Your Car?

The most important thing to do is locate your vehicle. Don't delay!

Official Impound Lots in Giles

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot details for Giles County at this time. However, you can find your vehicle using the steps below.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Giles Police/Sheriff: The most direct way to find your vehicle is to contact the Giles County Police Department or Sheriff's Office. Ask where your car was towed.
• Giles Police/Sheriff Phone:
• Reference Your Case Number: When you call, provide your name and, if possible, your case number. This will help them locate your vehicle quickly.
• Vehicles Towed Quickly: Most vehicles are towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of the arrest.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before you head to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents. Arriving unprepared will only delay the process and cost you more money.

Required Documents

• Valid Driver's 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 will need someone else to pick up the car.
• Vehicle Registration: You need the vehicle's current registration.
• Proof of Insurance: You must provide proof of current and valid insurance for the vehicle.
• Cash or Credit Card for Fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees. Call the impound lot ahead of time to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended, you can still get your car back, but you'll need someone else to retrieve it for you.

• Have Someone Else Pick It Up: A licensed driver can pick up the vehicle on your behalf.
• They Need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• A signed authorization from you allowing them to retrieve the vehicle. A simple handwritten note will usually suffice.
• The vehicle's title or registration.

Costs & Fees in Giles

Understanding the costs involved is crucial. Impound fees can add up quickly, making it essential to act fast.

Typical Fees

• Towing Fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing fee.
• Daily Storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where the costs can escalate rapidly.
• Administrative Fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the release of your vehicle.
• Release Fee: Some impound lots charge a release fee in addition to the other costs.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to get your car back. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their exact fee schedule.

Payment Methods

Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Knowing the timeline is essential to avoid further complications and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

The best course of action is to retrieve your car immediately 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. You definitely want to avoid this scenario!

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Facing hefty impound fees can be overwhelming, especially after a DUI arrest. Here are some options to consider:

Options

• Borrow from Family/Friends: Reaching out to loved ones for financial assistance is often the quickest solution.
• Payment Plans: Inquire with the impound lot about payment plans. Some lots may offer installment options, although this is not guaranteed.
• Sign Vehicle Over to Impound Lot: As a last resort, you can sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt but means you will lose your car.

What NOT to Do

• Don't Wait: Procrastination will only increase the fees and make the situation worse.
• Don't Abandon the Vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle is illegal and can lead to further legal trouble.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the vehicle retrieval process.

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 District Attorney's office before the impound lot can release it. Contact your attorney or the police department to obtain this authorization.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name (e.g., a family member), the registered owner has the right to retrieve the vehicle, regardless of your DUI arrest. 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 while it was impounded.

Document Any Damage Immediately

Take detailed photos of any damage you find.

Report Damage to Impound Lot Manager

Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim. Keep a copy of the claim for your records.

Giles Impound Lot Locations

• Example Impound Lot 1: [Name], , [Phone Number], [Hours], [Map Link]
• Example Impound Lot 2: [Name], , [Phone Number], [Hours], [Map Link]

Retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Giles County can be a complicated and expensive process. By understanding the steps involved and acting quickly, you can minimize the costs and get your car back on the road as soon as possible. If you are facing DUI charges, it is highly recommended to consult with a qualified Tennessee DUI attorney to protect your rights.