Nashville
DUI Vehicle Seizure/Forfeiture Attorney
Tennessee Vehicle Seizure Laws
Local agencies responsible for direct law enforcement seize property consisting of vehicles, money, real property, and other miscellaneous property. The agency then sends the paperwork to the Legal Division to process, as jurisdiction has been given to the Commissioner of Safety for the disposition of this property. Property may be seized for possession of narcotics, illegal or prescription. Vehicles may be seized for driving on a driver's license that has been revoked for driving under the influence (DUI) and for DUI for a second or subsequent time.
If your vehicle has been seized, you probably have a lot of questions. Because the facts, law, and circumstances of each case vary, it is vital to contact a lawyer who is experienced in handling vehicle forfeiture proceedings with the Tennessee Department of Safety. At May McKinney, we advise and represent clients in all DUI and criminal matters, including those involving property seizures and vehicle forfeitures.
To discuss your case with a seasoned professional, call (615) 265-6383. We serve Nashville, Mount Juliet, Brentwood, Franklin, and all of Tennessee.
Vehicle Forfeiture Proceedings in Nashville, TN
A Notice of Seizure and Forfeiture of Conveyances form is completed by the officer at the time property is seized. He or she gives this to the person in possession of the property as a receipt to show that the property is, in fact, being seized. He or she is then responsible for taking this Notice of Seizure and a completed Forfeiture Warrant to a local judge to show probable cause for the seizure. If the judge finds probable cause for the seizure, he or she signs the warrant.
Once the warrant is signed, the Notice of Seizure form and signed warrant are submitted to the Legal Division. Notice that a Forfeiture Warrant has been signed is sent by certified mail to anyone reasonably located who may have an interest in the property. They're responsible for filing a petition requesting a hearing within 30 days of receiving the letter and signing the certified mail receipt.
Once a petition is filed, the case is set for hearing to determine the disposition of the property. Notice of the hearing date is sent to all parties who have filed a petition about 30 days before the hearing is set. This hearing will be presided over by an Administrative Law Judge out of the Secretary of State Administrative Procedures Division. The State has prosecuting attorneys for these hearings. Claimants will need to hire their own defense attorney, at their expense.
Talk to a Skilled Lawyer About Your Rights
The State will have a prosecuting attorney at your property seizure hearing. Make sure you have your own lawyer to protect your interests. With our almost 80 years of collective experience and holistic approach to our clients’ cases, we at May McKinney are committed to securing results in vehicle forfeiture and property seizure hearings as well as criminal matters related to DUI and all misdemeanor and felony offenses.
Contact our firm today at (615) 265-6383 to find out how we can protect your rights, interests, and property.
Our Clients Say It Best
Read Our Client Testimonials
At May McKinney, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Best defense lawyer in the middle Tennessee area"So I was charged with schedule 2 simple poss and paraphernalia. His excellence got it dropped to a simple paraphernalia charge with unsupervised probation! It was a mandatory 30 days in jail to basically nothing but fines. Well worth every penny. If you need a lawyer call this guy immediately. He'll do everything he can with a smile to give you the best results possible. Thank God for Rob Mckinney!!!- Daniel Himes
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"Mr. McKinney is listed with Super Layers for a reason!"In the darkest and most ashamed moment of my life, Mr. McKinney with all of his kindness, encouragement, and unsurpassed knowledge for the Tennessee law was by my side. I am nearly 60 years old and never had a conflict in my life, let alone one that involved an uncontrollable emotional reaction, that resulted in a physical altercation. Yet under the influence of prescribed drugs for insomnia, anxiety management, and alcohol, I made a grave mistake which resulted in Class C Aggravated Assault Felony Charge. To complicate matters, I am not a resident of Tennessee. It goes without saying that Mr. McKinney has earned the utmost respect as a top tier lawyer from the Tennessee court system. He was able to professionally articulate my case to the court, emphasizing that I risk losing employment, showed that I voluntarily turned myself in, and that I was a first-time offender. The court listened to him and as a result he was able to negotiate terms that far exceeded my expectations. I spent a lot of time between my arrest and court appearance researching the standard outcomes for an aggravated assault charge in the State of Tennessee, and based on what I read, I expected the worst judgement to be passed down. Mr. McKinney however worked with the court system to not impose jailtime and an opportunity to have the charges expunged from my record. I know that I will forever be ashamed and grieve over the event, but he was able to provide me with the opportunity to work the rest of my life making this right to the victim, my family, and others that were emotionally impacted. Mr. McKinney is worth his weight in gold. He knows the law. He is respected. He is highly skilled as a lawyer. He is the very best. I only wish I met and got to know of him under better circumstances.- SB
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"It's a Comfort to Have You On My Side"
I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have been doing for me. It's comforting to know I've got you on my side. You're the BEST!!
P.S. — I really can't thank you enough.
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"You Were There For Us"You are more to us than just a lawyer.- J.B.
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""Expert care, unwavering support, and a team that truly fights for you—Savannah and her staff go above and beyond!""I cannot speak highly enough of Savannah and her incredible team. From the very start, she demonstrated expert care, attentiveness, and a true dedication to my case. Her professionalism and knowledge made the entire process smooth, and she took the time to ensure I understood every step along the way. What truly sets Savannah apart is her compassion and commitment. She and her staff were always responsive, thorough, and supportive, making me feel confident that my case was in the best hands. Their attention to detail and ability to navigate complex situations with ease made all the difference. I highly recommend Savannah and her team to anyone in need of expert legal representation. They not only fight for you but genuinely care about your well-being. Thank you for everything!- Josh
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"Best Case Scenario"If you’re looking for a firm who knows how to handle a DUI/DWI case, give Shyanne a call.- Satisfied Client
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"Truly Grateful"There are precious times in our lives when we are blessed with people who make a difference.- Nathan
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"Best criminal lawyer in Nashville."I have met with Mr. McKinney during a very difficult time. I was welcomed with open arms. Aside from being the best lawyer, he is a very caring person. He accomplished the impossible in my case. He worked relentlessly and brought my charges down from a serious felony to a misdemeanor. Which is unheard of from what I understand. I would have faced deportation but with his expertise and commitment to my case now I can become a citizen. Rob McKinney and his team gave me a second chance in life! For that I am forever grateful.- Pinar James
