Will My Car Be Impounded After a DUI in Detroit?

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. On top of the legal consequences, many people wonder what will happen to their car after their arrest. Will it be towed? Can you get it back? And how can a defense attorney help?

What Happens During a DUI Arrest in Detroit?

When a police officer pulls you over on suspicion of DUI, they will begin by requesting your driver’s license, registration, and insurance.

While one officer checks your documentation and runs your plates, another officer may ask questions about where you’ve been and if you’ve been drinking. If the officer suspects that you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may ask you to step out of the car for further testing.

At this point, you may be asked to perform standardized field sobriety tests (FSTs) or take a breathalyzer test. Based on the results of these tests and your overall interaction with the officer, you could be arrested for a DUI.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest?

Once arrested, you’ll be taken to a local police station for booking. This process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and sometimes a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC).

While your focus may be on your arrest, it’s important to remember that your vehicle is also part of this situation. What happens to it can vary based on several factors, but in many cases, it may be impounded.

Will My Vehicle Be Impounded?

The impounding of your car depends on the circumstances surrounding your arrest. In some cases, if your car is safely parked on the side of the road or in a parking lot, the police may allow you to leave it there.

You may also be able to arrange for a friend or family member to retrieve your vehicle. However, this is not always the case.

Why Would Police Impound Your Car?

If you are arrested on a busy street, highway, or in a no-parking zone, or if the police deem your car a safety risk, they will likely have it towed and impounded.

Additionally, if your car contains evidence related to the DUI or another crime, law enforcement may impound it for further investigation.

If you are under 21 and alcohol is found in your car, the vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days as part of your penalties.

Can You Retrieve Your Impounded Vehicle?

If your car is impounded, the police are required to provide you with information on where it has been taken and how you can retrieve it.

This usually includes the location of the impound lot, the contact information for the towing company, and the steps needed to release the vehicle.

Impound lots charge daily fees, so it’s important to act quickly to avoid accumulating excessive charges.

What Requirements Are There To Get a Car Out of Impound?

Before picking up your car, make sure you can legally drive it.

A DUI arrest in Michigan often results in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license, though this may not take effect for a few weeks.

If your license is still valid, you can drive your car home. However, if your license has been suspended, you will need to have a licensed driver, such as a friend or family member, assist you in retrieving and driving the car home.

The Detroit Police Department has specific guidelines to follow so you can recover your car.

How Davis Law Group Can Help After Your DUI Arrest

Dealing with a DUI arrest and an impounded car can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Attorney Maurice Davis and his team at Davis Law Group are here to help you navigate this difficult situation.

We understand how the system works and can assist you with retrieving your vehicle, minimizing impound fees, and defending you against the DUI charges.

We Fight DUI Charges

At Davis Law Group, we craft a defense tailored to your specific DUI case. We thoroughly examine the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of chemical tests, and any possible violations of your rights.

If there was an illegal stop or insufficient evidence, we will challenge the charges.

We also negotiate plea bargains when appropriate to reduce penalties.

With Attorney Maurice Davis’s background as both a prosecutor and public defender, we can anticipate the prosecution’s tactics and work to minimize or dismiss your charges.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, contact us for a free consultation.

Contact a Michigan DUI Defense Lawyer Today

Our goal is to get your car back to you as soon as possible, help you fight to retrieve your license, and work toward reducing or even dropping the charges against you.

With our experience in DUI defense in Detroit, Flint, Port Huron, Southfield, and other Michigan areas, we will build a strong defense tailored to your case.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI and are worried about what will happen to your car, reach out to Davis Law Group. We can help you understand your rights, guide you through the process of getting your vehicle back, and work diligently to defend you against the DUI charges.

Call us today at (313) 818-3238 to schedule an initial consultation and start protecting your future.