[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by WW435

Seize the BMW? How is that legal?

Originally Posted by jkoral

You don't even have to be charged with a crime:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/inv...top-and-seize/

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

Police State now, they can do whatever they want.

They will drive his shit now undercover. Haha.

Each state and jurisdiction is different in terms of property seizure, but as others have said, the general concept is, if your personal property was used to commit a crime or an accessory used in a crime, then it's seized as evidence, and if found guilty is almost never returned. So there is a reason to this. It's not "police state" "legality" issue. If you used a gun to rob someone, you ain't getting your gun back. Makes a lot of sense doesn't it?

Ever heard of police auctions? That's where most of this stuff goes. This is another reason why people with run-ins with the law are also broke...that dude basically lost $60k plus attorney fees and fines. All said and done, will probably cost him over $100k plus lost wages.

Originally Posted by silvs

Police can pretty much take anything if they suspect it was involved in a crime. Your money, your house, your car... it's called civil forfeiture.

Basically your stuff is guilty unless you can prove it's innocent.

Originally Posted by mrmoua2u

When a crime is committed, in which clearly there was, the tool used in the crime is evidence. Perfectly legal. Secondly, it's a misdemeanor in most states. This violation in most states also gives authority the right to seize vehicle, meaning it was towed away and can be held up to a certain amount of time.

Originally Posted by Gato Grande

Welcome to NY. They can if it's used recklessly and the person is subject to arrest. I see it more with bikes here than cars

Originally Posted by cays

Absolutely. Anybody who is not aware of this should read about it just to be aware of what can happen. These are from New Yorker and Slate but many mainstream publications have done articles.

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/08/12/taken

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_a...y_and_run.html

A friend of mine committed a crime in which he crossed state lines and used a computer and cell phone. Basically, they seized his car, cell phone and as part of his bail terms and then probation, they limited his travel and use of the internet and social media accounts.

All in all, he probably lost close to $70k due to attorney fees, property forfeiture, lost wages, and fines.

They use to say, "if you can't do the time, don't do the crime". Today since they don't want to throw people in jail for nonviolent offenses, it's "you can't afford to pay for the crime", b/c the fines and attorneys fees will almost set you back 2-3 years of income.