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 Vehicles may be seized for driving on a driver's license that has been revoked for driving under the influence (DUI) and for DUI for a second or subsequent time.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.
-
"Complete Confidence"Little words cannot express the gratitude we have for you! From the very first day we walked into your office, we had complete confidence in you and your staff.- Jack & Jessi
-
"Rob McKinney did an exceptional job! Not only did he get the best outcome possible for my case, he had skilled knowledge to answer all my questions about my nursing license along the way!"Rob McKinney did an exceptional job! I was extremely worried about my case. Not only did he get the best outcome possible for my case, he had skilled knowledge to answer all my questions about my nursing license along the way. I would recommend him to all of my closest friends and family. Karen and the entire staff are extremely helpful and I always felt that I was a priority. Thank you Mr. McKinney for helping to keep my future bright! I am so very thankful to you!- Very Satisfied Client
-
"Maestro of the room"Rob is extremely intelligent and makes you feel comfortable at the same time considering your situation His staff is prompt knowledgeable and very kind Would recommend to anyone And would believe if they can not assist that they would lead you in the correct way It has been a pleasure These guys are worth every penny Thank you again- John
-
"Incredibly helpful"This was my first experience ever being accused of a crime and I was very nervous and scared. Rob and his staff were incredibly helpful, answering all of my questions and putting my mind at ease throughout the process. In the end, we were able to get everything dismissed successfully. Although in the grand scheme, my case was a relatively minor one, Rob always was there to help and it was clear that his knowledge and experience would be hard to find anywhere else. I would absolutely recommend Rob and his team to anyone looking for a defense attorney.- SA
-
"The Only Choice for the Best Results"The case came during my senior year of college. It was the scariest moment of my entire life. I felt my career was over before it even started. I chose McKinney Law Firm because they are the Best of the Best. To have a prepared and knowledgeable defense, in a room where you feel guilty until proven innocent, is invaluable. Roger T. May's no non-sense approach was deliberate and strategic. The results of the case were better than I could have ever imagined. After the case was over, I went on to land a lucrative job, travel the world, and have had a very successful career. I truly believe McKinney Law Firm gave me a second chance at life. I am forever grateful for the team's care, urgency, persistence, and professionalism during a very difficult time. "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good." Thank you.- -Satisfied Client
-
"Do not give up hope"Words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation to Rob McKinney and his entire law firm. This was my first experience with needing legal representation. After speaking with other attorneys, I was told that there was not much they could be do for me. I was fully aware that the odds were stacked against me and I was losing hope. Mr. McKinney told me that he would fight for me and that is exactly what he did. I could not have asked for a better outcome. I highly recommend this firm- Anonymous
-
"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.
-
"Appreciative of Your Kindness"I feel very blessed and appreciative for your kindness.- Audrey
