Getting arrested on a DUI (driving under the influence) charge in Orange County can lead to more than just court dates and fines—your car might also be impounded. This means police take your vehicle to a secured lot, and you must follow certain steps and pay fees to get it back.
When your car gets taken to an Orange County DUI impound lot, don’t wait too long to retrieve it because the costs can add up fast. On top of that, having your car impounded can affect your DUI case and even your insurance. An Orange County DUI lawyer understands how to deal with vehicle impoundments, court hearings, and everything in between.
They can explain your rights, help you retrieve your car, and guide you through your case from start to finish. You can learn more about your legal options during a free consultation.
Why Are Cars Impounded After a DUI Charge in Orange County?
Police may impound a vehicle after a DUI arrest for several reasons:
- Safety: They want to prevent the driver from using the car while under the influence.
- Evidence: The car may contain evidence related to the DUI case.
- Legal holds: If the driver has a suspended license or other legal issues, the car may be held longer.
How to Retrieve Your Impounded Vehicle in Orange County
To get your vehicle back, you should do the following:
- Contact the impound lot: Determine where your car is being held.
- Gather required documents: Bring a valid driver’s license, proof of ownership, and current registration.
- Pay applicable fees: Be prepared to pay towing, storage, and administrative fees.
- Check for legal holds: Ensure there are no legal holds preventing the release of your vehicle.
Orange County DUI Impound Lots
Here are some active DUI impound lots in Orange County:
- Brea Towing Services: 550 N. Flower St., Santa Ana, CA 92703 (for Orange County)
- Santa Ana Police Department: 60 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Fullerton Police Department: 237 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832
- Costa Mesa Police Department: 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
- Irvine Police Department: 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606
Some cities in Orange County require you to go to the police department and attend a post-storage hearing before your vehicle can be released from impound.
This hearing is typically to determine if the impound was lawful or if any exceptions apply. An attorney can help determine what steps to take if you are unsure of where to go to get your car released.
How Much Does It Cost to Retrieve an Impounded Vehicle?
Retrieving an impounded car involves several fees:
- Towing fee: Cost of towing the vehicle to the impound lot
- Storage fee: Daily charge for storing the vehicle
- Administrative fee: Processing fee charged by the police department
These expenses can add up quickly. Additionally, storage fees are typically charged per day, so the longer the car remains on the lot, the more expensive it becomes.
Consequences of Not Retrieving Your Vehicle Right Away
If you do not retrieve your car promptly, you could face the possibility of:
- Increased costs: Daily storage fees accumulate.
- Lien sale: After a certain period, the impound lot may sell your car at auction to recover costs.
- Legal issues: Unclaimed vehicles can lead to additional legal complications.
How a Lawyer Can Help With a DUI Impoundment Case
Getting arrested on a DUI charge and finding out your car has been impounded can be stressful and confusing. You might not know what to do first, how much it will cost, or how the situation could affect your future. This is where having the right legal help can make a big difference.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer connects people with attorneys who have experience handling DUI cases and the problems that come with them, including vehicle impoundment.
A lawyer may be able to:
- Explain your legal rights: An attorney can walk you through your situation in plain language so that you understand what’s happening and what choices you have.
- Help you get your car back: The impound process isn’t always simple. A lawyer can help you deal with the paperwork, attend any required hearings, and figure out the best way to recover your vehicle quickly.
- Defend you in court: A DUI case can lead to license suspension, fines, and even jail time. A lawyer will work to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Having legal support during a DUI case means you’re not facing everything alone. It gives you a clearer path forward and reduces the stress of not knowing what to do next.
How a DUI Impound Affects Your Case in Orange County
Having a car impounded can affect a DUI case in more ways than people expect. Some of the main issues include:
- Evidence: Police may search your car after a DUI arrest. If they find open containers, drugs, or anything illegal, that can be used against you in court.
- License suspension: If you were driving on a suspended or restricted license, having your car impounded could make things worse. It may also affect how long your license stays suspended.
- Insurance rates: After a DUI arrest and impound, your car insurance company might see you as a high-risk driver. This can raise your monthly rates or cause your policy to be canceled.
- Towing and storage records: These records may be brought up during your case, especially if the timing of the arrest or release of the vehicle is in question.
- Court appearance: If you still owe impound fees or your car is being held, it may come up during your DUI hearing as part of the case timeline.
Can Someone Else Get the Car From the Orange County Impound Lot for Me?
Someone else can usually get your car out of the impound lot, yes, but only if they meet certain rules. The person picking up the car must show valid identification and bring the right paperwork.
Most impound lots will also ask for:
- Proof that they have permission (like a notarized letter or power of attorney)
- A valid driver’s license
- Proof of ownership or insurance, if the car is in their name, too
Some cities or lots may have their rules, so call ahead and ask exactly what’s needed. If your license is suspended or you can’t go in person, having someone else help can save you time and prevent you from paying more storage fees..
Need Help Getting Your Car From Orange County DUI Impound Lots? Call an Attorney
If your car was taken to one of the Orange County DUI impound lots after a DUI arrest, you don’t have to handle it alone. The process can be confusing and expensive, but the right legal help can make things easier.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer offers a service that connects people with attorneys who fight DUI charges and address vehicle impound problems. We’ve worked with thousands of clients in search of legal advice.
An attorney can help you get your car back and fight for your best outcome. Don’t wait while fees keep adding up. Call today to take the next step during a free consultation.
