Drunk Driving Towing Fees

So you were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI)…what now? Long before all the fines and penalties are imposed, you’ll face the immediate consequences of your actions—including a number of expenses for drunk driving towing and storage fees.

As you probably know, it is against the law to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Therefore, if you are arrested for DUI, you obviously can’t just follow the arresting officer down to the police station—instead, you will be forced to abandon your vehicle and transported there. Although you may be able to call someone to pick up your vehicle, that is not always an option.

For example, in many jurisdictions, your vehicle will be seized by the state the moment you’re arrested for DUI. In these areas, a local towing service will be called to take your automobile to a nearby storage facility. Once you are released from jail, you will be required to pay for all of the associated costs of these services before you get your vehicle back —and in some areas, you won’t be able to reclaim it for 30 days or more.

While the cost of towing and storing your vehicle will vary based on where you live, drivers who are arrested for DUI typically pay between $100 and $1,000 to recover their vehicle. Depending on the laws in your area, you may also be required to pay a number of administrative fees in order to maintain your driving privileges and take ownership of your vehicle. If you can’t afford these fees, the court could even auction off your vehicle in order to recover their expenses—and if the final purchase price is less than your total towing and storage costs, you will have to pay the difference.

Of course, towing and storage fees aren’t the only things you’ll need to consider if you are arrested for drunk driving. Along with the financial impact of your offense, you will face harsh sentencing guidelines that often impose additional fines and numerous other penalties such as a license suspension and/or jail time.

As you can see, being charged with DUI is a harrowing experience—even under the best circumstances. If you were recently arrested for the offense, you will almost certainly need legal representation in order to avoid a DUI conviction. An attorney who is skilled in the drunk driving laws in your area can use his or her specialized knowledge to create a strong defense strategy that will improve your chances of successfully resolving your case in court. While general practitioners are trained in a variety of areas, an attorney who exclusively handles DUI cases will be well-versed in the latest laws and defense tactics.

To receive a free consultation with a skilled DUI attorney in your area, complete our online form today.