Vehicle Bonds for Seized Vehicles in Wake County, NC
If a vehicle has been seized in Wake County, the first step is finding out whether a vehicle bond is the right way to request its temporary release.
Amistad Bail Bonds can review the seizure information, explain what may be required, and help with the vehicle bond when the situation qualifies.
A vehicle bond is for the seized vehicle. It is not the criminal bail bond that releases a person from custody.
GETTING STARTED
What Information Should I Have?
You do not need every detail before calling. Start with the information you have, and an agent can explain what may be needed next.
Start With These
- Name of the vehicle owner
- Name of the person who was driving
- Year, make, and model of the vehicle
- Where the charges are pending
- Date the vehicle was seized
Helpful If Available
- License plate or VIN
- Vehicle insurance information
- Paperwork received after the seizure
- Where the vehicle is being stored
UNDERSTANDING THE SEIZURE
When Can a Vehicle Bond Be Used?
No. A vehicle bond is not available or needed in every seizure situation.
Under North Carolina law, a vehicle may be seized in certain impaired-driving cases and after a charge of felony speeding to elude arrest. The release options can also depend on who owns the vehicle and whether the owner was the driver.
- Why the vehicle was seized
- Who owns the vehicle
- Whether the owner was driving
- Which release procedure applies
VEHICLE RELEASE
What Does a Vehicle Bond Do?
In qualifying cases, North Carolina law allows a bond to be used to secure the temporary release of a seized vehicle while the underlying case is still pending.
For certain temporary releases, the bond amount is based on the vehicle's fair market value.
The bond also creates an important responsibility: if the court later requires the vehicle to be returned for a scheduled proceeding, the person responsible for the bond must comply with those conditions.
The vehicle bond does not determine what happens in the criminal case and does not release the defendant from jail.
If you also need help posting a criminal bail bond for the person who was arrested, visit Local Bail Bonds.
THE PROCESS
What Happens After You Contact Amistad?
- STEP 1
Review the Seizure
We start with the vehicle, ownership information, reason for the seizure, and county where the charges are pending.
- STEP 2
Confirm the Release Path
The requirements can be different depending on whether the person requesting the vehicle is the owner, whether that owner was driving, and why the vehicle was seized. We help determine whether a vehicle bond is the appropriate next step.
- STEP 3
Review the Bond Requirements
If a vehicle bond can be used, we explain the bond amount, premium, payment requirements, any collateral that may be required, and the responsibilities involved.
- STEP 4
Complete the Court Process
The vehicle release bond is handled through the court process for the seized vehicle, not as a standard appearance bond posted at the detention center. Vehicle bond court work must be completed during the applicable court business hours.
- STEP 5
Follow the Vehicle Release Instructions
Once release has been authorized, the owner must follow the instructions for retrieving the vehicle. Towing and storage charges are separate from the bail bond premium and must also be addressed before the vehicle can be released.
COST & RESPONSIBILITIES
Understand the Cost Before You Sign
There are different amounts involved in a seized-vehicle case, and they should not be confused with one another.
Payment options may be available for qualifying bonds and are subject to approval.
Vehicle Bond Amount
For temporary release under the vehicle bond procedure, the bond amount may be equal to the vehicle's fair market value.
Bail Bond Premium
The premium is the fee paid to the bail bondsman for writing the bond. We explain the exact premium and requirements before you sign.
Towing and Storage
Towing and storage charges are separate from the bond. These costs must be paid as required before the vehicle is released.
Collateral
Depending on the bond and application, collateral may be required.
WAKE COUNTY
When Can the Court Portion Be Completed?
Vehicle bonds involve the court process, so the court-related portion cannot be completed 24 hours a day.
Our agents are available 24 hours to review the situation and prepare for the next step, but court filings must be handled during court business hours.
Wake County Courthouse
316 Fayetteville St. Mall
Raleigh, NC 27601
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Because the correct filing location or counter may depend on the case, contact us before going to the courthouse so we can confirm what is needed.
Questions About Vehicle Bonds
No. North Carolina law allows vehicle seizure in specific impaired-driving circumstances. A DWI charge by itself does not automatically mean the vehicle falls under the state's forfeiture rules.
NEED HELP WITH A SEIZED VEHICLE?
Start With the Vehicle Information You Have
If your vehicle was seized in Wake County, call us with the owner's name, driver's name, vehicle information, and any paperwork you received.
A licensed bail agent can review the information and explain whether a vehicle bond may be an option and what needs to happen next.