§ 12-147. Release of vehicle; acceptance of warrant; trial.

(a)

The owner of an impounded vehicle shall pay all bonds, fees, charges, and all outstanding past due amounts prior to release of the vehicle, as well as all towing or storage charges.

(b)

This requirement does not affect the right to contest the citation in municipal court by request of jury trial or bench trial. Upon receiving a request for such trial, a warrant shall be issued and a courtesy copy of that warrant will be mailed to the owner's address listed in the vehicle's registration information along with the date and time of the trial. The original warrant will be served at the time of the trial. Service of a warrant vests the municipal court with jurisdiction to hear and dispose of the charge for which the warrant was issued and served. Upon conviction after trial, the person shall be punished for each violation in accordance with section 1-9.

(c)

No impounded vehicle may be released by the towing or storage entity without proof of ownership or authorization from the owner to release to a designated person in a form and manner satisfactory, which may include a faxed power of attorney to be followed by the original in mail, or other sworn document accepted as proof of the owner's intent and direction for the vehicle to be released to a specific identified person.

(Ord. No. 2016-62, 8-9-16)