Johnson County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Johnson, TX

Being arrested for a DUI in Johnson, Texas is a stressful experience. On top of dealing with the legal ramifications, you're likely wondering what happens to your vehicle. Often, vehicles are impounded following a DUI arrest. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you retrieve your car as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you're arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Johnson County, Texas, the arresting officer will typically have your vehicle towed to an impound lot. This is done for several reasons:

• Safety: To prevent you from driving under the influence again.
• Evidence: In some cases, the vehicle may be held as evidence related to the DUI investigation.
• Liability: To protect the police department and the towing company from liability.

Understanding why your car was impounded is the first step in getting it back. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes due to daily storage fees.

Where Is Your Car?

Finding your car is the immediate priority. It's crucial to act quickly to minimize storage fees.

Official Impound Lots in Johnson

Unfortunately, we don't have specific impound lot information for Johnson County at this time. This information will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

How to Find Your Vehicle

Here's how to locate your impounded vehicle:

• Call Johnson Police/Sheriff: Start by contacting the Johnson County Police Department or Sheriff's Office.
• Johnson County Police Department Phone:
• Johnson County Sheriff's Office Phone:
• Reference your case number: When you call, provide them with your case number (if you have it) or your name and date of birth. This will help them quickly 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. The police department should be able to tell you which impound lot it was taken to.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Before heading to the impound lot, make sure you have all the necessary documents. Failing to do so will result in a wasted trip and further delays.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's 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 to show proof of current insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Cash or credit card for fees: Impound lots typically accept cash or credit cards. Call ahead to confirm their payment methods.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you'll need someone else with a valid driver's license to retrieve 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 (a signed letter stating they are authorized to pick up the vehicle).
• The vehicle's title or registration (to prove ownership).

Costs & Fees in Johnson

Retrieving your vehicle from the impound lot involves several fees. These fees accumulate daily, so prompt action is critical.

Typical Fees

• Towing fee: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the towing service.
• Daily storage: Daily storage fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day. This is where the costs can quickly escalate.
• Administrative fees: There may be administrative fees associated with processing the vehicle release. Expect this to be around $[Range - Research typical admin fees in Texas].
• Release fee: A release fee may also be charged. Expect this to be around $[Amount - Research typical release fees in Texas].

IMPORTANT: These are estimates. Contact the specific impound lot to confirm their exact fees. Remember, fees accumulate DAILY. Get your car ASAP!

Payment Methods

[Research and add the typical payment methods accepted at Texas impound lots. For example: Most impound lots accept cash and major credit cards. Some may accept debit cards.]

Timeline

Acting quickly is essential to minimize costs.

Within 24 Hours

The ideal scenario is to retrieve your vehicle within 24 hours of the impound. This will help you avoid significant daily storage fees.

After 30 Days

If the vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period (typically 30 days), the impound lot may initiate a lien sale to recover their costs. This means they can legally sell your vehicle.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

The fees associated with retrieving an impounded vehicle can be a significant financial burden.

Options

• Borrow from family/friends: Ask for assistance from family or friends.
• Payment plans (some lots offer this): Inquire if the impound lot offers payment plans. Some may 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 vehicle's title over to the impound lot. This will relieve you of the debt, but you will lose ownership of the car.

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 complications and potential fines.

Special Situations

Certain situations may require additional steps or considerations.

If Your Car Was Evidence

If the police are holding your car as evidence, it may take longer to retrieve.

• May be held longer by police: The police will need to release the vehicle before you can retrieve it from the impound lot.
• Get release authorization first: Obtain written authorization from the police department before going to the impound lot.

If Someone Else Owns the Car

If the vehicle is registered in someone else's name, they are the legal owner and have the right to retrieve it.

• Registered owner can retrieve regardless of your situation: The registered owner can pick up the vehicle even if you were the one driving it at the time of the DUI arrest.
• They'll need proof of ownership: The registered owner will need to provide proof of ownership (title or registration) and a valid driver's license.

After Retrieval

Once you've retrieved your vehicle, take a few important 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: Report any damage to the impound lot manager immediately and file a written complaint.

Johnson Impound Lot Locations

We understand this is a difficult time. By following these steps, you can navigate the process of retrieving your vehicle and minimize the financial impact. Remember to act quickly and gather all the necessary documentation. Good luck.