Why was my car towed after my DUI arrest?
Having your car towed is one of the more unexpected consequences of a drinking and driving charge. You were pulled over and, after going through field sobriety tests, you were arrested and taken to the station. Your car was then towed and impounded. Why?
After you’ve been arrested for drinking and driving, police officers are required by Washington State law to tow and impound your vehicle—for 12 hours.
This doesn’t mean that you’ve been found guilty or not guilty. A towing has no play in how your court procedure pans out.
Can I pick my car up before the 12 hours are up?
If you were arrested for a DUI, you cannot pick your car up before the 12 hours are up.
Neither can your friend, nor your family members
Am I responsible for the towing expense?
You are responsible for paying the expense of the towing. We know this is expensive—not to mention how expensive a DUI charge is as a whole.
While towing rates may vary, it is still quite the costly consequence. Towing rates depend on how large your vehicle is. Companies also tow at different rates, and unfortunately you do not have a say in which company tows your vehicle.
At the Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we know that money is probably one of your top concern. Even though you are worried about the financial consequences of the DUI (like the towing expense, bail fees, alcohol treatment education, the court fees, and the longterm expenses) don’t cut corners and try to save money by going through the DUI court process by yourself.
By working with one of our DUI lawyers, let’s make the costs decrease, not increase.
My car’s been impounded. How do I get it back?
If your car has been impounded, it means that it has been taken into “legal custody.” The first thing you need to figure out is where you car is and when you can get it out of impound. Often times getting your car out of impound on weekends or after hours can be expensive.
If it has been publically impounded, this means that a police officer or other law enforcement official was the one who initiated the towing.
The police officer should have given you paperwork at the time of arrest indicating who is holding your vehicle.
To get your car back after it has been publically impounded due to your DUI arrest, you should take the paperwork from the police department with you to retrieve you vehicle. Be sure not to discuss the arrest or who was driving with the impound yard. They are potential witnesses and are sometimes used to place you behind of wheel when evidence is lacking. Bottom line, get your vehicle and do not discuss your arrest.
If my car is impounded will it affect my insurance rates?
A DUI can affect your insurance rates, but your car being towed and impounded won’t do so alone. For example, if you were not the one arrested for a DUI, but your car was the vehicle impounded, your insurance should not be affected Its only following a conviction for a dui or related driving charge or you were involved in an accident will your rates increase.
How can a DUI attorney help me after my car’s been towed?
1. We help you get your car out of impound.
2. We send you off for your alcohol assessment.
3. We investigate the details of your arrest.
4. If we think the court is going to order ignition interlock, we make an appointment so you’re walking into court prepared.
5. If we think the court will require you to visit a treatment facility, we’ll arrange it beforehand.
Learn how we fight DUI’s
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