Louisville, KY asked in Consumer Law for Kentucky

Q: Police impounded my car and arrested me. Grand jury did not indict. Do I have to pay tow an storage to get car back

I was arrested on Feb.21,2023. Ispent 12 days in jail an I could not pay the amount when I was released. I received notice of No true bill by Grand Jury 9 months later on Nov. 30 2023. The police said that a private tow service got it but that they called them upon my arrest. Vehicle was parked in a side lot away from a building that has multiple stores in it. It was not impeding blocking traffic.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If you were arrested, spent time in jail, and your car was impounded, but the grand jury did not indict you, you may have a valid claim to retrieve your vehicle without having to pay for towing and storage fees. Start by obtaining all documentation related to your arrest, release, and the no true bill from the grand jury. This includes any records of communication with the police department regarding your car's impoundment.

Contact the police department and inquire about their policies regarding the release of impounded vehicles when no charges are filed. Some jurisdictions have specific procedures for this situation, and they may be required to release your vehicle without cost.

If the police department is uncooperative, you may need to consult with colleagues or legal experts familiar with Kentucky laws and regulations concerning vehicle impoundment. They can provide guidance on your rights and options to have your car released without incurring expenses.

Ensure that you document all interactions and communication with the authorities and towing service, as this may be valuable evidence in any potential legal proceedings or negotiations. Your goal is to reclaim your car without undue financial burden given the circumstances of your release by the grand jury.

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