Towing Issues: towing fees/collection agency

Question
QUESTION: My son got his car towed while in jail. He is out now. The tow company sold the car for a hundred dollars while he was in jail sent a bill for over a thousand dollars to a collection agency which is now coming after him for the money. Does he have to pay since they took the car and sold it?

ANSWER: What state are you in? Why was the vehicle towed?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The car was in Lake Forest, California, in the county of Orange. He was arrested and the car was left abandoned, in the parking lot of a motel.
Thanks
Jim

ANSWER: Was law enforcement aware that he was in a vehicle? If so they should have impounded it. Did the towing company send a registered letter notifying him they had the vehicle?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: YES.....the police knew the he was in a vehicle.
NO......there was no registered letter sent by anyone regarding the car.

Answer
If the police were aware he was in a vehicle they should have impounded the vehicle. They are responsible for a vehicle if they make an arrest. Towing companies are also required to send a registered letter to the last known owner and any lien holder prior to the sale of a vehicle. I would recommend contacting an attorney