Could You Lose Your Vehicle After A DWI?
Losing your car, or your ability to drive one, can make life very difficult. Many people who struggle with a DWI accusation or conviction find it difficult to pay the fees to obtain their vehicle before it is sold. In some circumstances, losing a car, or the right to operate a vehicle, can make it challenging to get to and from work, or to find new employment. The situation can become even more problematic when the seized or forfeited car was the family’s only means of transportation. At Knox Law Center, we understand how important it is for you to overcome the challenges associated with your DWI charges. Our DWI attorneys strive to help our local North Carolina clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case. Are you unsure what to expect if you are pulled over by a police officer who suspects you are intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics?
Vehicle Seizure and Forfeiture
Will your car be immediately seized after being arrested for a DWI? The answer really depends on a variety of factors. In some cases, an officer may give you an opportunity to contact a spouse or loved one who can legally drive the car home. However, there are some circumstances when the arresting authority is obligated by law to take the vehicle. If the driver isn’t the owner of car, has a revoked or suspended license, has no insurance policy or has been previously convicted of an impaired driving offense, they are likely to have their vehicle seized and towed to the nearest storage facility. Once it arrives at it’s new location, they will begin to accrue daily storage fees that must be paid in full before they can reacquire the car. The vehicle may be permanently forfeited and sold as well, depending on the value of the vehicle, the amount of outstanding storage and towing costs, and the number of days the car has been at the facility.
Retrieving Your Vehicle
Since forfeiture is a possibility in many cases, it’s important to hire an attorney, and resolve the legal matter as soon as possible. The more days that a vehicle sits in the storage facility, the more money will have to be paid to get it back on the road. In most situations, once you have taken care of your legal obligations and paid all accumulated fees, you will be able to retrieve your car again.
Need Help with Your DWI Related Legal Issues? Call Knox Law Center Today
Have you, or a loved one, recently been arrested for a DWI? Then call Knox Law Center right away. Our accomplished criminal lawyers are ready to defend your rights in court. We are proud to serve local clients in Charlotte, Denver, Cornelius, Gastonia, Salisbury, Kannapolis, Davidson, Matthews, Pineville, Monroe, Lincolnton, Mooresville, Lake Norman, Huntersville, Dilworth, South Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Lincoln County, Gaston County, Rowan County and Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Contact our law office today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
