Sevier County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Sevier

Being arrested for a DUI in Sevier, Tennessee, is stressful enough. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely also worried about your vehicle, which is almost certainly impounded. This guide provides immediate, practical information on how to retrieve your car and minimize the costs associated with impoundment. We understand this is a difficult situation, and we're here to help you navigate the process.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

After a DUI arrest in Sevier, your vehicle is typically impounded for two primary reasons:

• Public Safety: Removing the vehicle prevents you from potentially driving under the influence again.
• Evidence Preservation: In some cases, the vehicle may be held as evidence related to the DUI investigation.

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

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car quickly is crucial to minimizing storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Sevier

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot data for Sevier County at this time. Please refer to the next section on how to locate your vehicle. We are actively working to obtain and update this information. Check back frequently for updates!

How to Find Your Vehicle

Since we don't have a list of specific impound lots, here's how to locate your car:

• Call Sevier Police/Sheriff: The most direct way to find your vehicle is to contact the Sevier County Police Department or the Sevier County Sheriff's Office.
• You can usually find their contact information online with a quick search for "Sevier County Police Department" or "Sevier County Sheriff's Office."
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide your name and, most importantly, your case number (if you have it). This will help them quickly locate the information about 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.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Preparing the necessary documents will streamline the retrieval process.

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: You need proof that the vehicle is registered.
• Proof of insurance: You need proof that the vehicle is insured.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards for payment. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their accepted payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you can still retrieve your vehicle by:

• Having someone else pick it up: A friend or family member with a valid driver's license can retrieve the vehicle for you.
• They need:
• Their valid driver's license
• Authorization from you (a signed letter stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle)
• Vehicle title or registration in your name (as proof of ownership)

Costs & Fees in Sevier

Understanding the costs involved is critical for planning and budgeting. These fees can add up very quickly.

Typical Fees

These are estimates based on typical impound fees. Contact the specific impound lot for exact amounts.

• Towing fee: $150 - $300
• Daily storage: $20 - $50 per day
• Administrative fees: $25 - $75
• Release fee: $50 - $100

IMPORTANT: Fees accumulate daily. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to retrieve your car. Prioritize getting your vehicle back as soon as possible.

Payment Methods

Unfortunately, we don't have specific payment method information for Sevier County impound lots. Call the impound lot directly to confirm which payment methods they accept (cash, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Timeline

Acting quickly can save you significant money.

Within 24 Hours

Getting your car back within 24 hours of impoundment is ideal to avoid accumulating excessive daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

In Tennessee, if a vehicle is not retrieved within a certain period (usually 30 days), the impound lot may have the right to sell the vehicle at a lien sale to recover their costs. Don't let this happen.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

We understand that the impound fees can be a financial burden. Here are some options:

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Reaching out to loved ones for assistance can be a viable solution.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire with the impound lot about the possibility of a payment plan. Some impound lots may offer flexible payment options to help you retrieve your vehicle.
• Sign vehicle over to impound lot (avoid debt but lose car): As a last resort, you may be able to sign the vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This avoids further debt, but you will lose ownership of the vehicle.

What NOT to Do

• Don't wait: Fees add up fast. Procrastination will only increase the financial burden.
• Don't abandon the vehicle: Abandoning the vehicle can lead to further legal and financial consequences.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances may require additional steps.

If Your Car Was Evidence

• May be held longer by police: If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may take longer to get it back.
• Get release authorization first: Contact the investigating officer or the District Attorney's office to obtain a release authorization before attempting to retrieve your vehicle.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: If someone else is the registered owner of the vehicle, they have the right to retrieve it, regardless of your DUI arrest.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration.

After Retrieval

After retrieving your vehicle:

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 detailed photos of any damage as evidence.
• Report damage to impound lot manager: Immediately report any damage to the impound lot manager and request a written record of your report.

Sevier Impound Lot Locations

We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to retrieve your vehicle after a DUI arrest in Sevier, Tennessee. Remember to act quickly to minimize costs and follow the steps outlined above. If you have further questions or need legal assistance regarding your DUI charge, consult with a qualified attorney. Good luck.