Driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to severe consequences, including vehicle impoundment. Understanding the impoundment process in Irvine, California is essential to retrieving your car.
So, what are some of the foremost DUI impound lots in Irvine? If your car gets towed, it may go to MetroPro, Brady Bros Towing, or 10-4 Tow of Irvine.
If you’re facing DUI charges in Irvine, an Irvine DUI lawyer can defend your rights and help you get your vehicle back from the impound lot.
DUI Impound Lots in Irvine
Several impound lots in Irvine may hold your vehicle after a DUI arrest, including:
- MetroPro: 16212 Construction Cir E, Irvine, CA 92606
- Brady Bros Towing: 17961 Cowan B Unit 107, Irvine, CA 92614
- 10-4 Tow of Irvine: 8 McLaren # L, Irvine, CA 92618
- Elite Tow Trucks of Irvine: 15642 Sand Canyon Ave. Suite 53991 Irvine, CA 92619
You can contact the Irvine Police Department or visit their website for a comprehensive list of approved impound lots.
How Do I Find My Towed Car in Irvine?
To find your towed vehicle in Irvine, CA, you should contact the Irvine Police Department. They can provide information about where your car is being held and how to retrieve it.
How Do I Get My Impounded Car Back?
To retrieve your car from an impound lot, you must:
- Obtain a release: Get a vehicle release form from the Irvine Police Department.
- Prepare documentation: Gather all other documents you’ll need to reclaim your vehicle, including proof of ownership and a valid ID.
- Call the impound lot: Contact the impound lot to arrange a pickup.
- Visit the impound lot: Bring all necessary documentation, including the release form, ID, and proof of ownership, to the impound lot.
- Pay fees: Be prepared to pay impound and administrative fees before your vehicle can be released.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Impounded Vehicle Back in CA?
When you retrieve an impounded vehicle in California, you typically must pay a:
- Towing fee, which typically ranges from $100 to $300
- Daily storage fee, which averages $40 to $100 per day, depending on the lot
- Administrative fee, which is typically around $150
- Release fee, which can range from $100 to $300
These fees can vary based on the circumstances of the impound and how long your vehicle remains at the lot.
How Do You Get Around the Impound Fee?
Avoiding or reducing impound fees can be challenging, but these strategies can be effective:
- Contest the tow: If you believe your car was wrongfully towed, you can dispute the tow with the police department or local authorities.
- Request a fee waiver: Some jurisdictions offer fee waivers or reductions for individuals who can demonstrate financial hardship.
- Act quickly: Retrieve your car as soon as possible to minimize daily storage fees.
- Seek legal assistance: An attorney may be able to help reduce or waive impound fees if there are extenuating circumstances surrounding the car’s impoundment.
What Happens to My Car at the Impound Lot?
While at the impound lot, your vehicle will be securely stored. The lot’s staff will ensure that your car is not damaged or tampered with. However, prolonged storage can lead to additional fees and, in rare cases, the auctioning of your unclaimed vehicle.
How Long Do They Impound Your Car for a DUI in California?
In California, the duration of a vehicle’s impoundment depends on the severity of the DUI offense:
- First or second offense: Vehicles can be impounded for up to 30 days.
- Subsequent offenses: Vehicles may be held for up to 90 days.
To avoid further complications, it’s crucial to retrieve your car as soon as possible.
What Happens to Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest in California?
After a DUI arrest, your vehicle will likely be towed to an impound lot. Authorities may inspect the car, especially if it was involved in an accident. Afterward, you’ll receive information on where the vehicle is stored and the steps you must take to retrieve it.
How Can an Irvine DUI Attorney Help?
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, an attorney can:
- Help you retrieve your vehicle: An attorney can guide you through the process of retrieving your vehicle from the impound lot.
- Challenge your charges: An attorney can analyze your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and build a strong defense strategy.
- Provide legal representation: An attorney can represent you in court to ensure your rights are protected during hearings and trials.
- Negotiation reduced penalties: If you’re convicted, an attorney can work to minimize fines, jail time, and other penalties associated with a DUI.
What are the Penalties for a DUI in California?
California imposes strict penalties for DUI offenses, including:
- Fines: You may have to pay fines up to $1,000 for a first offense. Repeat offenders or those involved in aggravating circumstances may face fines up to $5,000.
- License suspension: Your driver’s license will likely be suspended for 6 months for a first offense. Subsequent offenses or refusals to take a breathalyzer test can result in a multi-year suspension.
- Jail time: A first offense may result in up to six months in jail. Repeat offenders may face a year or longer.
- DUI classes: You will be required to attend and complete alcohol education programs, which can last up to 30 months, depending on the severity of the offense and your history.
- Ignition interlock device (IID): For certain offenders, the court may mandate the installation of an IID, which prevents a car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
- Probation: DUI offenders may be placed on probation for three to five years, with terms including regular check-ins and abstaining from alcohol while driving.
Speak with a DUI Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a DUI arrest can be overwhelming, especially if your car gets impounded. Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with an Irvine DUI attorney who can protect your rights and minimize the consequences of your charges.
Call today to learn about how you can get your vehicle back.
