Johnson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Johnson

Being arrested for a DUI in Johnson, Tennessee can be a stressful and confusing experience. One of the immediate concerns many people face is getting their vehicle back after it's been impounded. This guide provides the practical information you need to navigate the process of retrieving your car as quickly and efficiently as possible. Remember, time is of the essence to avoid accumulating significant storage fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI in Johnson County, your vehicle is typically impounded for a few key reasons:

• Public Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle may be held as potential evidence in your DUI case.
• Standard Procedure: It's a standard procedure following a DUI arrest to ensure compliance with the law.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in taking action to retrieve it.

Where Is Your Car?

The most pressing question is: where is your vehicle being held?

Official Impound Lots in Johnson

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Johnson County at this time. This information is often managed at the local level and can vary. However, common practice is to tow the vehicle to a contracted impound lot within the county.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Finding your vehicle quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees. Here's how to locate it:

• Call Johnson Police/Sheriff: The most direct route is to call the Johnson County Police Department or Sheriff's Office. You can find their non-emergency number online.
• Reference your case number: Have your arrest paperwork handy, as it will include a case number that will help them locate information about your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed within 24 hours of your arrest. Don't delay in contacting the authorities to find out where it was taken.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your car, you'll need to gather the necessary documents to retrieve it.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license (or someone with a valid license): You, or someone you authorize, must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration: Proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

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 pick up the vehicle.

• Have someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid license can retrieve the car on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle, and the vehicle title or registration proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Johnson

Understanding the costs involved is essential for planning your retrieval strategy.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Storage fees can 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 your vehicle. Check with the impound lot for the specific amount.
• Release fee: A release fee might be charged to finalize the retrieval process.

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. Retrieving your car as soon as possible is crucial to minimizing expenses.

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, we don't have specific payment information for Johnson County impound lots. However, common payment methods include:

• Cash
• Credit Card

It's best to call the impound lot directly to confirm their accepted payment methods.

Timeline

Acting quickly is paramount to avoid excessive fees and potential loss of your vehicle.

Within 24 Hours

Aim to retrieve your vehicle 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 may have the legal right to sell it at a lien sale to recover their costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

Financial hardship can make retrieving your vehicle a challenge. Explore these options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reaching out to loved ones for financial assistance is a common solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. While not guaranteed, some lots may offer this option.
• 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 to avoid accruing further debt. However, this means you will lose ownership of the car.

What NOT to Do

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

Special Situations

Certain circumstances can complicate the retrieval process.

If Your Car Was Evidence

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

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

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered to someone else (e.g., a parent or spouse), they have the right to retrieve it regardless of your situation.

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

After Retrieval

After retrieving your vehicle, take these steps:

Check Your Vehicle

• Document any damage immediately: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Take photos: Take photographs of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and file a written claim.

Johnson Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated with a detailed list of impound lot locations in Johnson County, including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and map references as data becomes available.]

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with an attorney regarding your specific DUI case.