Perry County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Perry

Being arrested for DUI in Perry, Tennessee is a stressful experience. One of the immediate concerns is often: what happens to my car? This guide provides practical information on how to retrieve your impounded vehicle quickly and efficiently. Understanding the process and acting fast can save you significant money in fees.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Perry, TN, your vehicle is typically impounded. This is standard procedure to:

• Prevent further impaired driving.
• Allow law enforcement to process the vehicle for evidence (if necessary).
• Ensure the vehicle is safely stored until you or a registered owner can retrieve it.

Knowing why your car was impounded is the first step in understanding the process of getting it back.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your vehicle is your immediate priority. It's crucial to locate it as soon as possible because storage fees accumulate daily.

Official Impound Lots in Perry

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Perry, TN at this time. However, here are general steps to help you locate your vehicle:

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Call Perry Police/Sheriff: This is your first and most important step. Contact the Perry County Police Department or the Sheriff's Office.
• Perry County Police Department:
• Perry County Sheriff's Office:
• Reference your case number: Have your case number ready when you call. This will help them quickly locate information about your arrest and the location of your vehicle.
• Most vehicles towed within 24 hours of arrest: Typically, your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot within 24 hours of your arrest. Act quickly to find it.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you've located your car, you'll need specific documents 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.
• Vehicle registration: Proof of ownership is essential.
• Proof of insurance: Current insurance documentation for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash, and many also accept credit cards. Confirm acceptable payment methods with the specific impound lot.

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 for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license.
• Written authorization from you allowing them to pick up the vehicle.
• The vehicle title or registration proving ownership.

Costs & Fees in Perry

Understanding the costs involved is crucial for budgeting and planning.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect this to be in the range of $150 - $300.
• Daily storage: This can range from $20 - $50 per day. This is the fee that adds up quickly, so act fast!
• Administrative fees: These vary, but expect a range of $.
• Release fee: This is a one-time fee charged for releasing the vehicle, typically around $.

IMPORTANT: These fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your vehicle.

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, we don't have specific payment method information for Perry impound lots. Always call the impound lot before going to retrieve your vehicle to confirm accepted payment methods (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

Time is of the essence!

Within 24 Hours

Ideally, retrieve your car within 24 hours of it being impounded. This minimizes the daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for a certain period (often 30 days), the impound lot has the right to sell it at a lien sale to recover the storage fees. You will lose your vehicle and potentially still owe money if the sale doesn't cover all the costs.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

It's not uncommon to struggle with the impound fees, especially after a DUI arrest.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: This is often the quickest solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Ask the impound lot if they offer any payment plans. Some might 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 title over to the impound lot. This absolves you of the debt but means you lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up exponentially. Procrastination will only make the situation worse.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle won't make the fees disappear, and it can lead to further legal trouble.

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, retrieving it will take longer.

• May be held longer by police: The police will need to complete their investigation before releasing the vehicle.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the Perry County Police Department or the District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization. You'll need this document before the impound lot will release the car.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

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

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The fact that you were arrested for DUI doesn't prevent the registered owner from getting their car back.
• They'll need proof of ownership: They'll need to present the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

Once you have your vehicle back, 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: Take clear photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately. Get their name and contact information. You may need to file a claim with their insurance company.

Perry Impound Lot Locations

[This section will be populated once we have data on impound lots in Perry County. Include addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. If possible, embed a map showing the locations.]

This guide aims to provide helpful information to navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Perry, TN. Remember to act quickly, gather the necessary documents, and communicate effectively with the authorities and the impound lot. Good luck.