Vehicle Impounded? What to Do Next
Many drivers who are arrested for driving under the influence have their cars impounded by the police. “Impound” means that the car is towed by a tow truck to a city or state lot where it is kept until the driver or an authorized representative picks it up and pays the impound fees. Police impound cars because the driver cannot or should not drive them and they will otherwise be parked in possibly unsafe locations on public property.
The only ways to avoid impound of your vehicle are 1) to convince a sober friend or passenger at the scene to drive the car home, or 2) if the vehicle is parked on private property, to get permission from the property owner to leave the car there. If your car is impounded, act quickly to get it back. Tow drivers charge hefty fees measured in part by the number of miles the car is towed. They also charge for labor and vehicle hookup. Cars with four-wheel drive cost extra to be towed.
After your car is impounded, look up your VIN number on the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety website to locate where it was towed. Law enforcement also may be able to tell you where it went. Figure out if there are any law enforcement holds on the car by checking with law enforcement or the tow yard. A hold may be placed because the police need to inspect the vehicle for evidence, for example.
If there are no holds found, locate your proof of ownership, identification, and insurance information. You will need all three of these items to get the car back. Take a friend with you to drive the car if your driver’s license has been revoked as a result of the DUI arrest. Go to the tow yard where your vehicle has been towed, and present your documentation. You will receive a list of fees to be paid, and once you pay the fees you can drive the vehicle away.
People who cannot go to the tow yard themselves can send a representative instead. Doing so helps avoid being charged any unnecessary fees. The representative needs a notarized letter from the owner permitting him or her to act on the owner’s behalf. The letter should list the year, make, model and vehicle identification number of the vehicle. Also, the representative will need the proof of ownership, identification, and insurance information as mentioned above.
Having your car impounded creates hassle for you and costs money above and beyond your court and attorney costs. But getting the car back as soon as you can protects your property and saves hassle later.
If you are facing DUI charges, seek out an attorney who knows the Oklahoma criminal law system inside and out. Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor now using his trial experience and expert-level knowledge of DUI science to defend drivers, has the experience and the insight to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.