Driving Under the Influence Arrests and How it Affects Your Vehicle

The Initial Consequences and Towing

If you’re arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in California, both you and your car are in trouble. The first thing that happens when you’re pulled over by a highway patrol officer is that they will determine if you are too intoxicated to drive. If they find that you are, you will be put in cuffs, and they will take you to the police station. While the severe repercussions of a DUI charge are daunting, your car is also in jeopardy. The police have partnered with a local tow company for these situations, and they will call a tow truck to take your vehicle to an impound lot. This will result in towing fees that you will have to pay upon release, adding to the already stressful situation of a DUI charge.

Ways to Avoid Having Your Vehicle Towed

There are two ways to avoid having your car towed. The first option is to have a sober, legally licensed passenger drive your car home. However, the police may also arrest the passenger for allowing an intoxicated person to drive. The second option is to have your car parked in a safe location, such as a parking lot or a location relatively clear of traffic. However, this is an uncommon practice, so it’s best not to rely on this option.

What Happens to Your Vehicle After a DUI?

In California, your car won’t usually get impounded until your third DUI offense in five years. However, the judge can impound your car as part of your DUI punishment. For first and second DUI offenses in California, your car will be impounded, and subsequent offenses will result in 90-day impoundments.

Having your car impounded is expensive and excessive for first or second-time offenders. Every state has its laws regarding when a car should be impounded after a DUI, or whether it should be stored in a tow yard and for how long.

Instead of impounding or confiscating your car, the criminal justice system is likely to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device will prevent you from driving if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is too high. The state will also tax you for each month that it’s installed. This way, you can continue to drive your car if you’re sober, and the state still gets paid.

Consult with a DUI Defense Lawyer

If you are facing a DUI charge, it’s essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Spodek Law has a team of experienced DUI defense lawyers who can help you challenge your DUI charges and protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let us help you fight for your rights and protect your future.

Driving Under the Influence Arrests and Its Impact on Your Vehicle

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), both you and your vehicle are in trouble. The consequences of facing charges are already overwhelming, but the impact on your car can add even more stress to an already difficult situation. In this article, we will discuss what happens to your vehicle after a DUI arrest in California, from the initial consequences of towing to the possible impounding of your car.

The Initial Consequences and Towing

When a highway patrol officer pulls you over and determines that you’re too intoxicated to drive, they will place you under arrest and take you to the police station. Besides the severe repercussions of a DUI charge, you’ll also face expensive towing fees. In most cases, the police work with a local tow company to tow your vehicle after your arrest.

A tow truck will arrive after your arrest, and your car will be taken to an impound lot. Upon your release, the towing fees will be passed on to you, and you’ll need to pay an additional fee to retrieve your car, which can add to the stress of DUI penalties in California.

Ways to Avoid Having Your Vehicle Towed

There are two ways to avoid having your vehicle towed:

1. Sober Passenger: The police may allow a sober, legally licensed passenger to drive your vehicle home if you give them permission. However, the passenger may also face legal consequences for allowing you to drive while intoxicated, so this might not always be an option.
2. Safe Location: If you were not pulled over on the side of the highway but instead in a parking lot or another location relatively clear of traffic, your car may be deemed safe to stay there for the time being. This is an uncommon practice, though, so don’t rely on it.

What Happens to Your Vehicle After DUI?

In California, your vehicle usually won’t get impounded until your third DUI offense in five years. However, the judge can impound your car as part of your DUI punishment. For first and second offense DUIs in California, your vehicle will be impounded, and subsequent DUIs will result in 90-day impoundments.

Impounding or confiscating your car is expensive and often seen as excessive for first or second-time offenders. Every state has its laws regarding when a car should be impounded after a DUI or whether it should be stowed in a tow yard and for how long.

Rather than impounding or confiscating your car, the criminal justice system is likely to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents you from driving if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is too high. Furthermore, the state charges you for each month it’s installed. It’s a win-win for the state and you: you can continue to drive your car if you’re sober, and the state still gets paid.

Consult with a DUI Defense Lawyer

If you face a DUI charge, it’s crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Spodek Law, we have a team of experienced DUI defense lawyers who can help you challenge your DUI charges and protect your rights. Our attorneys will explain the legal process and what you can expect. We’ll fight to protect your rights, your driving privileges, and your future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.