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Vehicle Impoundment

Aggressive Defense from a Phoenix DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for DUI exposes a person to a wide variety of penalties, some of them extremely harsh. In addition to fines and possible jail time, license suspension and ignition interlock devices, a DUI arrest can also result in the impoundment of your vehicle. If you have had your vehicle impounded after a DUI arrest, contact an experienced Phoenix DUI lawyer to discuss your options.

According to Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 28-3511, a police officer shall immobilize or impound the vehicle if there is probable cause to arrest the driver for violations involving Extreme DUI or Aggravated DUI. A person can be arrested for extreme DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is at 0.15% or above, which would also include ‘super’ extreme DUI cases where the BAC is at 0.20% or higher.  A person can be charged with Aggravated DUI under certain circumstances, including:

  • While driving on a suspended, canceled or revoked license
  • While a child under 15 years of age is in the vehicle
  • If the DUI/DWI/OUI is your third (in any state) in a period of 7 years

A vehicle can also be impounded under other circumstances, including when a driver did not have a valid driver’s license or it was revoked/suspended/canceled at the time of the stop, or if the driver was under the age of 21 with any amount of alcohol in his his/her body, or if the driver was in violation of an ignition interlock requirement.

Once the vehicle is impounded, it can be held for up to 30 days. There are certain circumstances, where a person may be able to get their car released sooner. Contact the Firm to discuss your options and determine whether you can avoid impoundment or attempt to get an already impounded car released.

How do I get my Vehicle Back?

Once your vehicle is eligible for release, you will be required to pay administrative fees to the police department who will then give you release paperwork to take to the tow yard. Once at the tow yard, you will then be required to pay for any towing charges and storage fees before your car will be released. If for some reason you are unable to claim your car within ten days of the available release date, the tow company can file for an abandoned title and try to seek ownership of the vehicle, so you will want to ensure that the appropriate arrangements can be made in order to avoid any issues.

DUI Attorney Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe & the Entire East Valley

The Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC is a law firm with nearly 20 years of experience in practicing DUI and criminal law. Mr. Buckallew has represented countless individuals in their criminal cases, both as a former public defender and a private criminal defense attorney. In addition to being well versed in criminal law, he also holds a Master's of Forensic Science (MFS) degree, giving him unique insight into criminal defense cases from both a legal and a scientific perspective. The Firm has the experience to assist you if you have been charged with DUI, and will work diligently towards seeking the release of your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Was Your Vehicle Impounded After a DUI Arrest?

Contact a Phoenix DUI lawyer who can work towards seeking a release of your vehicle, as well as represent you in DUI criminal court proceedings.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
We hired Trent Buckallew to represent our son following a second MIP ticket he received while in college. Mr. Buckallew kept us informed throughout all proceedings and helped us receive the satisfactory outcome of dropped charges in exchange for taking an alcohol awareness class. He was personable, knowledgeable and treated our small case with care and compassion. We would highly recommend him to anyone in need of representation. SR
★★★★★
Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into the case against (client's name). We sincerely appreciate the great job you did. We are praying this is the end of it. Thanks again so very much. This was such a difficult time for our family. LN
★★★★★
I'm finally 100% clear of the problem that started our relationship. I cannot thank you enough for handling my case and expungement. I have a great sense of new beginnings and don't have to let my past affect my future. My freedom is priceless. TM
★★★★★
I appreciate everything you were able to accomplish for my father and will certainly be referring Mr. Buckallew to anyone I know who may be in need of an excellent criminal defense attorney. CM
★★★★★
Trent handled cases for me on two different occasions involving tickets for seat belt violations in commercial vehicles. Very happy with results. All charges dismissed. One case in Flagstaff and one case in Gilbert Court. KF