Drunk driving is no laughing matter. In Iowa, this offense carries harsh penalties. Following your arrest, several things could happen to your vehicle, including impoundment or forfeiture proceedings. That said, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the potential outcomes so you are prepared to take the necessary steps to secure your vehicle. Please continue reading as we explore when a vehicle can be impounded after an OWI in Iowa and why connecting with a skilled Des Moines OWI Lawyer is in your best interest.
Will My Vehicle Be Impounded After an OWI in Iowa?
If you are arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Iowa, it’s crucial to understand what could happen to your vehicle. Law enforcement may release your vehicle to a responsible party, such as a friend or relative you contact or a sober passenger with a valid driver’s license who is present at the scene. However, in many cases, the police will impound your vehicle as a public safety measure to prevent you from driving while impaired. This is typically limited to repeat offenders; nonetheless, the police have the discretion to impound a vehicle following any OWI arrest.
It’s important to note that the decision to impound your vehicle is often influenced by aggravating factors such as a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the lack of a sober driver, if the vehicle poses a potential hazard on the road, and previous OWI offenses. Vehicle impoundment ultimately aims to reduce repeat OWI offenses and the associated accidents.
Furthermore, if you are operating a vehicle while your driver’s license or operating privileges are suspended, revoked, or barred to an OWI, the vehicle will be subject to impoundment. The impoundment period can last for the duration of the license revocation or 180 days, whichever is longer. After this period, you must pay the cost of the impoundment and any fees associated with retrieving your vehicle.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is impounded after an OWI arrest in Iowa, you should contact a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, as they can help you navigate the legal process, potentially challenge the impoundment, and help you get your vehicle back quickly. They can determine if the police had probable cause for the OWI arrest and follow the proper procedures for impounding your vehicle. If you believe the towing or storage fees are excessive, your lawyer can challenge the unreasonable fees.
If you are facing an OWI in Iowa and your vehicle has been impounded, it’s in your best interest to seek the guidance of a qualified attorney from Herting Law, PLLC, who can help you understand your rights and options. Connect with our firm today to learn more about what we can do for you during these difficult times.
