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 Vehicles may be seized for driving on a driver's license that has been revoked for driving under the influence (DUI) and for DUI for a second or subsequent time.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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"Forever Grateful"Thank you for helping me to not only resolve a recent legal matter, but also pointing me in the direction of freedom from a past criminal record. I am clean and free, and I have a clear record for the first time in 12 years.- Rachel
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"No Nonsense, Willful & Determined"My reputation is restored thanks to Ms. Riddle and May McKinney.- Mark
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"A Great Firm to work with!!"Mr. McKinney assisted my daughter with two separate cases. Both were handled very professionally and had very positive outcomes. He was always helpful when meetings were held and assisted in making this extremely stressful time easier for her. I would recommend his firm to anyone who needs the assistance of very capable, professional, caring attorneys.- L.R.
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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
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"Made a Horrible Situation Bearable"
Shyanne immediately knew what to do and handled my case with professionalism and expertise. She made a horrible situation bearable and stayed with me throughout the process.
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"Repeat offender facing time"When I got I hemmed up in Gallatin and caught two charges, I was told I was facing 180 days plus an extra 180-365 days serving time. I told my folks I was tired of taking chances with amateurs when It came to a legal defense lawyer. I initially called Frank Lannom's office, but they regrettably informed they did not practice in Sumner but they knew who did that was just as good and experienced. They gaveme the number to Mr. McKinneys office here. I called them up and Ms Savannah Edmonds met with me that day on a zoom meeting. I gave a very professional summarization of my charges , sentance they carried, as well as the exact figure they would charge. She even called me back to correct herself on something she said wrong. I thought that was exceptionally professional. Needless to say I knew May and McKinney were the lawyers I want defending me. It's easy to make back money. You can't get your time back. Anyway today was the first day of court with my Lawyer. And my first offer was "both charges dismissed" . Now you can't get much better than that. If you want to save money, take the amateurs and risk loosing your life, your name, your integrity or hire the professionals of May and McKinney and get results. Remember "you get what ya pay for" and with May and Mckinney it's well worth every penny !- Robert F.
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""Do yourself a favor, make Rob your flavor.""I was visiting friends in Nashville and sightseeing around the Titan stadium when about 8 officers drew their weapons on me from a good 100+ feet away, demanding that I freeze and put my hands in the air. My first response was to pull out my knife while i tried to gain focus on who and why this was happening. Is this a joke? Am i being robbed possibly? That was the thoughts racing through my mind. Apparently, someone had called and said someone with a backpack threatened to blow up the stadium, WOW! I understand these officers were doing their job but after they searched me and found I was innocent they still charged me with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and a few others for good measure. My lawyer Rob Mckinney knew i was being honest and meant no one harm, but I was really scared that it may turn out very differently due to the circumstances. He not only got my charges dismissed but my record expunged as well. I'm forever grateful and would recommend this legal team for anyone in need of a most stellar lawyer. Thanks again Rob and the rest of the team.- Eric A
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"You Were There For Us"You are more to us than just a lawyer.- J.B.
