Skip to Content
Experienced Nashville Defense Firm
Top
Vehicle Seizure/Forfeiture A Team Who Will Tenaciously Defend You Every Step of the Way

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 Vehicles may be seized for driving on a driver's license that has been revoked for driving under the influence (DUI) and for DUI for a second or subsequent time.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.

    "If your looking for a great lawyer, stop looking & hire these guys!"
    I can’t thank Rob Mckinney enough for all of his help with my case . I had never been in trouble before, & was very leery on paying for a lawyer, but from the moment I hired them, until my case was over, I never regretted my decision to have them represent me. Both Rob & Shyanne took every one of my phone calls, & answered every question that I ever could possibly come up. I was an emotional mess from the get go, and probably asked 1000 more questions than necessary, but they took the time to go through absolutely everything with me, and never made me feel like I was wasting their time or that I was inferior to them. Their knowledge, wisdom and guidance was so comforting & helped me with the stress of the legal process. My case took 2 years & 13 court appearances, so it was not an easy journey, but they made me feel at ease the entire time, & in the end, the charges were dropped. Thank you ! - Lisa F (aka super satisfied client)
    - Lisa F
    ""Best Lawyer In the world will not quit .""
    Best lawyer have known will not quit will fight all the way!
    - Marvin Johnson
    "Amazing service"
    Rob McKinney is the best criminal attorney in Nashville area. I had 7 cases and he got them dismissed right away! He made the trip to Clarksville from Nashville and saved me from loosing my green card. His experience, his dedication, knowledge and caring heart is unmatched. I am forever grateful!
    - PF
    "He Changed My Life"
    He is the type of attorney who listens to your problem instead of not caring about what is going on just to get your money
    - Brianna
    "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
    "You Were There For Us"
    You are more to us than just a lawyer.
    - J.B.
    "Perfect Results"
    I am grateful for this level of professionalism and you would be foolish not to have her represent you.
    - Kyle
    "We Owe You"
    We owe you so much for helping us and our son. We appreciate your legal expertise and support you gave our son this April.
    - Melissa & Alan
  • "AV Preeminent" by Martindale Hubble
  • Super Lawyers
  • The Best Lawyers In America
  • Best 101 Lawyers in Tennessee by Nashville Business Journal
  • Nashville's Top Lawyers by The Tennessean
  • Nashville Bar Association
  • Nashville Bar Foundation
  • Tennessee Bar Association

Get In Touch Today

Schedule Your Free Strategy Session
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please enter your county.
  • Please enter your response.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from May McKinney at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Why Choose May McKinney?

A Firm Committed to You, Your Case & Your Future
  • Nearly 80 Years of Combined Experience
    Our accomplished attorneys bring almost eight decades of combined criminal defense experience.
  • Educated In Our Field
    Our team believes in ongoing training in the criminal defense field. Our attorneys are educated in the latest forensic science technology and Attorney Riddle is Trauma Certified.
  • A Team Approach
    Our attorneys work each case as a unit, which is extremely beneficial to our clients. No matter the case size, it's integral to get the experience and knowledge of a team.
  • An Aggressive Defense
    When you choose May McKinney, you are choosing a team that will fight tooth and nail for your rights, your freedom, and your future.