Getting a DUI is a devastating experience that can have major consequences on your life. From potential jail time and hefty fines to license suspension and a permanent criminal record, the repercussions can be severe.
One lesser-known consequence is the possibility of having your vehicle impounded under California’s Vehicle Code VC 22651- Removal of Parked Cars and Abandoned Vehicle. Under the California vehicle code, law enforcement has broad authority to remove and impound vehicles in various situations.
Los Angeles DUI attorneys can help navigate this complex process and understand the California vehicle code’s process of getting your vehicle back.
Understanding Vehicle Impoundment After a DUI Arrest
Under the California vehicle code, law enforcement has broad authority to remove and impound vehicles in various situations, including parking violations, abandoned cars, registration issues, and obstructing traffic or access.
Several provisions are particularly relevant after a DUI arrest:
- CA Vehicle Code VC 22651(h) allows an officer to impound your vehicle if they arrest you for drunk driving or any other alleged offense where they can take you into custody.
- The impound is authorized at the time of the arrest, and your car can be towed from the scene and held until you arrange for its release.
The Rationale Behind Vehicle Impoundment
Even if you aren’t taken into physical custody, CA Vehicle Code VC 22651(p) allows impoundment if an officer issues you a notice to appear for violating several DUI-related sections, including CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) (driving under the influence) and CA Vehicle Code 23153 (DUI causing injury).
Your vehicle won’t be released until you can show valid registration and a valid driver’s license. However, you may send a non-registered owner, but they’ll need a written letter authorizing them to do so.
The rationale behind these provisions is to prevent an impaired driver from getting back behind the wheel if released from the scene, reducing the opportunity for the offense to continue or pose risks to public safety.
The Consequences of Vehicle Impoundment
While an impound at the time of arrest is understandable from a public safety perspective, it creates a significant inconvenience and additional expenses through towing and storage fees. To regain your vehicle, you’ll need to pay all accumulated costs and fees.
Delays in this process could result in even higher charges the longer the car is held. The paperwork and bureaucracy involved in releasing an impounded vehicle can be slow and tedious. You’ll need to provide proof of ownership, registration, license, and resolve any outstanding tickets or fines.
Missteps in this process can prolong the impoundment even further.
How Long Can My Car Be Impounded?
Under California law, vehicles can be impounded for a maximum of 30 calendar days before they are subject to a lien sale at the towing lot.
This means that individuals who have had their cars towed must act quickly to claim their automobiles in order to avoid losing them at auction. It is important for vehicle owners to be aware of this time frame and take immediate action to retrieve their impounded cars.
The Importance of Skilled Legal Representation
Your situation becomes even more complicated if you struggle with the costs or lack legal representation to handle the process properly. The impounding agency can eventually dispose of your car through lien sales if the costs go unpaid.
While the impound provisions are certainly a hassle, they are the least of your worries when facing DUI charges and potential conviction. The real battle will be resolving the court case against you through skilled defense representation.
A DUI conviction carries severe punishments like:
- Jail time
- License suspension
- Probation
- Fines
- DUI school
- A permanent criminal record
Just an arrest alone starts accumulating costs in towing fees, impound charges, missed work, court appearances, and hiring an attorney. Your insurance rates will likely skyrocket as well.
Considering the high stakes involved, it’s crucial to have an expert DUI lawyer from the very start. An experienced attorney can challenge virtually every aspect of the DUI arrest, from the initial traffic stop to the field sobriety tests, breathalyzer procedures, and any Miranda rights issues.
With the right legal strategy, you have options for keeping a DUI off your record entirely.
How a Lawyer Can Help With CA Vehicle Code VC 22651 – Removal of Parked and Abandoned Vehicles
Your lawyer will also handle the impound redemption process, working directly with the impounding agency to recover your vehicle efficiently and properly document all fees and charges. We can object to any improper delays or excessive fees during this process.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
While dealing with a vehicle impound after a DUI arrest creates one more headache, resolving the underlying DUI case should be your top priority from both a legal and financial perspective.
Don’t plead guilty or pay any fines until you’ve spoken to The Los Angeles DUI Attorneys about all your defense options. With the right representation, you may be able to reduce the penalties or even avoid a DUI conviction on your record. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.