Vehicle Seizure for Forfeiture in Columbus
If your vehicle was seized for forfeiture, an attorney can help you get it back. Your attorney can contact the prosecutor about the reasons why the vehicle should be released immediately to its owner.
When it comes to the seizure of vehicles for forfeiture in Columbus, OH, the vehicle will only be considered for forfeiture if the prosecutor determines, on a case-by-case basis, that extenuating circumstances exist. Those extenuating circumstances might include:
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- The vehicle was modified in a manner to facilitate drug trafficking;
- The vehicle was clearly purchased with the proceeds of drug transactions (for example, when the vehicle was purchased with cash);
- The vehicle was observed in multiple drug transactions during the course of an investigation.
The prosecutor might also decide to initiate forfeiture proceedings if Fleet Management determines the vehicle is suitable for use in the Division’s fleet or if no liens exist against the vehicle and ownership is established.
Special rules apply to vehicles seized in Columbus, OH, pursuant to an OVI offense.
Attorney for Vehicle Seizure and Forfeiture in Columbus, OH
If your vehicle was seized in or around Columbus, Ohio, then contact experienced asset forfeiture lawyers in Columbus, OH, at Joslyn Law Firm. Whether your money, vehicle or other valuable property was seized, we can help.
Our attorneys can contact the prosecutor in the case to show them all of the reasons why the vehicle should not be subjected to forfeiture. We understand the special rules that apply to vehicles seized because of an OVI arrest.
Act quickly to make sure your rights are preserved.
Call (614) 444-1900.
Directive 6.03 for Seizure and Forfeiture of Vehicles in Columbus
Pursuant to Directive 6.03, when officers with the Columbus Police Department seize a vehicle for forfeiture, they must complete an Impounded Vehicle Inventory, form A-32.107. The officer that conducts the seizure of a vehicle in Columbus, OH, must also follow the “Impounding and Towing” directive.
The procedures outlined in Section III-A-1 of Directive 6.03 must be used for any vehicle or property that is to be submitted to the court for forfeiture.
Vehicles being submitted to the court for forfeiture must be placed in a “hold” status in the electronic impounding system. Any evidence found in the vehicle must be submitted to the Property Control Unit (PCU).
This article was updated on Friday, April 9, 2021.
