Car Towed in NYC - what to do? Need to give advice to a friend in need.?

My friend is having a serious crisis. I don%26#039;t have a car, so I don%26#039;t know what to tell her. So, I%26#039;m hoping you fine people here can help give her some advice. Her car was towed in NYC by the Marshall%26#039;s office because she owes $500 in outstanding parking tickets. She thought she had paid all 3 of them off - however went she went down to the Dept of Finance - there were penalties that were never paid because they were mailing the notices to her old address from 2 years ago and the post office wasn%26#039;t fwd her mail anymore. The total she said she needs to get her car out of impound is $800 something. She is on Social Security Disability and doesn%26#039;t have that kind of money. Plus the car is worth maybe $300. (She%26#039;s says $645 - but I%26#039;ve seen her car.... it%26#039;s NOT worth THAT much.) I can%26#039;t fit all the details here, so please see my additional comments for the continuation and further information about this situation.

Car Towed in NYC - what to do? Need to give advice to a friend in need.?

Perhaps an operator who works for the city of NY can connect you to someone who can help you or give you advice?...

In any borough of New York City call 311

Outside of New York City call (212) NEW-YORK (212-639-9675)

The TTY Number is 212-504-4115

I hope someone is able to advise/help you. Good luck.

Car Towed in NYC - what to do? Need to give advice to a friend in need.?

Hmmm, this is something. I think she should find out first if there will be any additional charges if she abandons the car. If not, that is an option - also since she lives in the city - is her a car really necessary?

She might be able to go to court and get some of the charges reduced - due to the fact that she was not getting the notices for the extra charges.

I wish her the best of luck.

Car Towed in NYC - what to do? Need to give advice to a friend in need.?

Call Legal Aid.

Since she receives Sup Social Security, she must be considered by the Gov%26#039;t as totally disabled. She needs that car to get around. A phone call from a legal aide attorney to these guys holding her life hostage will do wonders.

Car Towed in NYC - what to do? Need to give advice to a friend in need.?

If she is disabled, she is eligible for special transportation. Let her check that out first, then decide.