Car Forfeited in DUI Case Becomes Minnesota Police Squad Car
The Elk River, Minnesota Police Department seized a 2002 Chevy Impala through the Minnesota DUI forfeiture program, and now it’s an unmarked police squad car.
Most states have a forfeiture program for property involved in drug crimes; Minnesota has a forfeiture program for DUI arrests.
Elk River Police Chief Jeff Beahen said that your first DUI can cost you your driver’s license. Your second DUI can cost you your license plates. If you get a third DUI, your could lose your vehicle.
Elk River usually sells vehicles it confiscates at auction, but the Chevy Impala was the same model as the cars used by the Elk River Police Department. The Department is currently trying to seize a Ford Expedition with just 750 miles on it.
Forfeitures can be quite profitable for some police departments. Beahen said some agencies take in $250,000 in revenue each year from forfeited vehicles, seizing everything from cars to motor homes.
2 Responses so far
Patti Clifton
July 9th, 2011
8:58 am
I am blown away by this law. In some drug related cases I can understand taking cars and I do not condone drunk driving, but I have a friend who just lost her car because she refuse to blow. She is a single hard working woman, not a loser or a drunk. She pays her bills and pays her taxes. She decided after a hemming and hawing to buy a new EOS convertible. The state of Minnesota has stolen her car and she hasn’t even been convicted yet. This is theft and it is ruining her life. The state is killing her….that is a crime. Please think about what you are doing to people and their lives. Isn’t that what MADD is all about. I guess they don’t want lives ruined on the street, but for the governement to ruin a life is ok. Please note that I DO NOT condone drunk driving but this punishment does not fit the crime.
Fred Johnshon
November 30th, 2011
2:45 pm
This ruling is a bunch of crap. I agree with Patti. I don’t condone drunk driving, but for the state to take your vehicle that you worked for, its a bunch of crap.
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