Wilson County Bail Information

Navigating Bail and Vehicle Impound After a DUI in Wilson County

After a DUI arrest in Wilson County, Tennessee, understanding the bail process and how to retrieve your impounded vehicle is crucial. The Wilson County Criminal Justice Center, located at 115 E High Street, Lebanon, TN 37087, is where you'll likely be processed and held. This guide provides actionable information to help you navigate these immediate challenges.

Understanding Bail in Wilson County

Bail allows you to be released from custody while awaiting trial. The amount of bail in Tennessee depends on the severity of the charges and your criminal history. While specific bail amounts vary, a DUI charge will typically have a set bail amount. You can post bail in a few ways:

• Cash Bail: Paying the full bail amount directly to the court.
• Surety Bond: Using a bail bonding company. In Tennessee, you typically pay a percentage (often 10-15%) of the total bail amount to the bonding company. They then guarantee the full amount to the court. Smiley Bonding is one such company operating in Tennessee.

To bond someone out of jail, contact a local bail bondsman. They will guide you through the process and explain the fees involved. Keep in mind that failure to appear in court will result in forfeiture of the bail money, whether paid in cash or through a bond. Release times after posting bond can vary, so it's important to be patient and work with the bondsman and jail staff.

Vehicle Impoundment: Fees, Procedures, and Potential Pitfalls

A DUI arrest often results in your vehicle being impounded. This process can be frustrating and costly, so understanding the procedures is essential.

Towing Regulations and Rotation Lists: Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 55-16-112) requires law enforcement to authorize the towing of your vehicle. The officer will complete a Vehicle Tow-In Report (SF-0156). The Lebanon Police Department (LPD) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) use rotation lists to select towing companies unless you specifically request a preferred provider who can arrive within a reasonable timeframe (20-30 minutes). THP troopers are prohibited from recommending specific companies.

Towing Fees: The LPD has a regulated fee schedule:

• Class A (Gross Weight < 10,000 lbs): $200.00
• Class B (10,000 - 26,000 lbs): $400.00
• Class C (> 26,000 lbs): $600.00
• Trailers: $75.00 (< 40 ft) / $200.00 (> 40 ft).

These fees cover the tow itself, but storage fees will accrue daily.

Retrieving Your Vehicle: To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need:

• Valid Driver’s License: If your license was seized due to Implied Consent, you'll need two licensed drivers – one to drive you to the impound lot and another to drive your vehicle.
• Proof of Ownership: Title or current registration.
• Proof of Insurance: Tennessee requires financial responsibility.
• Hold Release (if applicable): If the vehicle is part of a felony investigation, you'll need a release form from the Wilson County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) or District Attorney.

Important Considerations:

• Cash-Only Policies: Many towing companies in Wilson County, like Tow Pro, operate on a "Cash Only" basis for impound fees. Ed's Auto Repair & Towing is an exception, accepting digital payments like Google Wallet and CashApp. This can save you valuable time.
• Appointment-Only Release: Some companies, such as Tow Pro, require appointments for vehicle release, often only available Monday through Friday. This can lead to additional storage fees if you are released on a weekend.
• Potential for Damage: Be sure to thoroughly document the condition of your vehicle upon release. Some consumers have reported damage during towing.

Towing Vendor Locations:

• Ed's Auto Repair & Towing: Offers vehicle maintenance and repair services.
• Tow Pro Company (Independent Towing & Recovery): Operates in Lebanon.

Wilson County Criminal Justice Center Details

The Wilson County Criminal Justice Center houses the jail. You can find information about visitation, phone calls, and commissary on the Wilson County Sheriff's Office website (wcso95.org).

Ignition Interlock Devices

After a DUI conviction, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. Several providers operate in Lebanon, including:

• Smart Start: Located at 201 East Adams Ave, Lebanon, TN 37087.
• Intoxalock: Available at DZ Customs in Lebanon.
• LifeSafer: Located at Bradford Auto Care - 441 Gulf Ave, Lebanon, TN 37087.

Contact these providers for pricing and installation information.

Next Steps

If you've been arrested for DUI in Wilson County, immediately contact a qualified attorney to discuss your legal options. Gather all relevant documents, including your vehicle registration and insurance information, and be prepared to address bail and vehicle impoundment promptly. Knowing your rights and the procedures involved is crucial to navigating this challenging situation.