What Police Do With Your Vehicle and How Our Virginia DUI/DWI Lawyers Help You Get It Back
Being pulled over by the police and arrested for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated is a stressful experience. You also have the added worry about what happens to your vehicle. Fortunately, our Manassas DUI lawyers at The Wilson Law Firm know what law enforcement officers do with it—and can help you retrieve it. We'll also develop an aggressive defense that may get the charges dropped or reduced to a less severe offense.
What Happens to Your Vehicle Immediately After Your DUI Arrest?
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-266, what’s done with your car and other property depends on the arresting officer. 
If you have a valid driver's license, they may leave it on the side of the road and allow you to call a family member or friend to pick it up. This is the best and cheapest way to get your car back. The officer can also temporarily tow it to an impound lot until you can retrieve it.
However, if your driver's license is suspended or revoked, they would have to impound your vehicle, and it could take you much longer to get it back.
Can the Police Search Your Car After Your DUI Arrest in Virginia?
Law enforcement officers are allowed to search your vehicle after making an arrest. They may look around for open containers of alcohol, weapons, and other contraband. They also do an inventory search before your car is towed, where they make a list of all property and other things found in your vehicle.
If they discover drugs, guns, or other illegal items, they could charge you with additional criminal offenses.
How to Get Your Vehicle Back After It Is Impounded
The police will inform you where your auto was towed. You’ll need to contact the towing lot to find out their hours and what you need to bring to retrieve your vehicle. Typically, you’ll need the following:
- A licensed driver. Your driver’s license is immediately suspended after your arrest, so you should bring a currently licensed driver to who can get behind the wheel.
- Some form of identification. Obviously, this is complicated if your license has been confiscated. Still, you might be able to use it or another form of picture identification, such as a passport, employment badge, student I.D., or perhaps a Social Security card. However, make sure to first check with the tow lot and our criminal defense lawyers to confirm all acceptable forms of identification.
- Cash for fees. You must pay the towing and storage fees before the impound lot will return your car. Storage fees are charged daily, so you'll want to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible after your arrest. In most cases, checks and credit cards aren’t acceptable forms of payment.
How Our DUI Lawyers Can Help Your Retrieve Your Car
At The Wilson Law Firm, our legal team will explain the process of getting your vehicle back, what you will need to bring, and the fees you can expect to pay. More importantly, we’ll examine the circumstances of your DUI arrest and the police's evidence against you to determine your defenses. We may be able to challenge the traffic stop, dispute the breathalyzer or blood test results, and raise violations of your constitutional rights. This can help you achieve a better outcome in your case, even if you’re guilty.