The process of retrieving an impounded vehicle can be complicated. If you’ve recently had your car towed due to a DUI in Santa Ana, you may be feeling overwhelmed.
So, what are the most commonly used DUI impound lots in Santa Ana? You may be able to find your car at A’s Performance Towing, Towing Fighters, or Santa Ana Club.
If your car has been towed due to a DUI, a Santa Ana DUI lawyer can help you retrieve it and minimize the other penalties you’re facing.
DUI Impound Lots in Santa Ana
If your car gets impounded, it may go to one of these Santa Ana DUI impound lots:
- A’s Performance Towing: 1633 W 11th St, Santa Ana, CA 92703
- Towing Fighters: 2024 N Broadway Unit # 109-7, Santa Ana, CA 92706
- Santa Ana Club: 230 E Alton Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707
- Coast to Coast Towing: 2313 W 2nd St, Santa Ana, CA 92703
- Henry’s Towing Service: 2500 S Susan St, Santa Ana, CA 92704
How Do I Find My Towed Car in Santa Ana?
To locate a towed vehicle in Santa Ana, you should call the Santa Ana Police Department. They can explain how to find and retrieve your vehicle.
How to Retrieve Your Impounded Vehicle in Santa Ana
Once you’ve located your vehicle, follow these steps to get it back:
- Obtain a release form: Visit the Santa Ana Police Department to obtain a release form.
- Gather documents: To retrieve your vehicle, you’ll need proof of ownership in the form of your vehicle registration and a valid photo ID.
- Contact the impound lot: Call the impound lot to arrange a pickup.
- Visit the impound lot: Arrange transportation to the impound lot holding your vehicle.
- Pay fees: Pay all necessary fees to reclaim your vehicle from the lot.
How Can a Santa Ana DUI Lawyer Help?
If your car has been impounded due to a DUI, a lawyer can:
- Negotiate reduced fees: A lawyer may be able to reduce or waive impound fees.
- Challenge the legality of the impound: If your car was improperly towed or impounded, an attorney can contest the action.
- Advocate for you: A DUI often results in a license suspension. A lawyer can represent you in DMV hearings to protect your rights.
- Provide legal defense: If your DUI charge leads to court proceedings, a lawyer can build a defense and work to minimize your penalties.
How Long Do They Impound Your Car for a DUI in California?
In California, the length of impoundment for a DUI varies:
- First offense: Cars are generally impounded for up to 30 days.
- Repeat offenses: Vehicles can be impounded for up to 90 days.
How Much Does It Cost to Retrieve an Impounded Vehicle?
To retrieve an impounded car in Santa Ana, you must pay these fees:
- Towing fee: This typically ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the distance and services required.
- Storage fee: Daily rates usually fall between $40 and $100.
- Administrative fee: Santa Ana charges $256 for processing the impound.
- Release fee: This can cost between $100 and $400.
Altogether, costs can easily exceed $1,000, which is why it’s important to retrieve your car as quickly as possible.
How Do You Get Around the Impound Fee?
While impound fees are usually unavoidable, there are a few ways to minimize them:
- Request a waiver: Under specific circumstances, such as financial hardship, you may qualify for a partial or full waiver.
- Consult a lawyer: An attorney may be able to help reduce or even waive your fees.
- Act promptly: The sooner you retrieve your car, the lower your storage fees will be.
Does Getting Your Car Towed Affect Your License?
Getting your car towed does not directly affect your license. However, a DUI conviction can lead to a license suspension imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Additionally, points may be added to your driving record, which can result in higher insurance premiums.
What are My Rights If My Car is Towed in California?
As a vehicle owner in California, you have these rights:
- Right to notification: The tow company must notify you within 24 hours of the tow.
- Right to access personal belongings: You can retrieve personal items from your vehicle without paying fees.
- Right to contest: If you believe the tow was illegal, you can request a hearing to dispute the impound.
Other Penalties for a DUI in California
Other penalties for a DUI conviction in California include:
- Fines and court costs: First-time offenders can pay up to $1,000 in fines.
- License suspension: Expect a suspension of six months for a first offense.
- Mandatory DUI classes: Completion of an alcohol education program is often required.
- Ignition interlock device (IID): In some cases, installation of an ignition interlock device is mandatory.
- Probation: First-time offenders often receive three to five years of probation.
- Jail time: You can be jailed for up to six months for a first-time DUI.
Speak with a DUI Lawyer Today
Vehicle impoundment can be stressful, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with a Santa Ana DUI attorney who can defend your rights and help you get your car back.
Schedule a free consultation today to take the first step toward retrieving your vehicle.
