subject: How To Get Your Car Back from the NYPD After a DWI Arrest in New York City [print this page] How To Get Your Car Back from the NYPD After a DWI Arrest in New York City
You have been arrested fro DWI in New York City. You thought things could not get any worse. But yet, the cop informs you that he is seizing your car for forfeiture. Can he do that? Unfortunately yes. Part of the persecution of those accused of drunk driving is seizing their cars and trying to sell them at auction. To begin with, it is completely up to the arresting officer whether to seize your car or not. If you were a jerk to him or you just did not respond to his liking, then your car will be seized.
If the car is owned by someone else they will not seize it. The police will give you a voucher. Keep this voucher. It is an actual number that identifies your car. In the mail in about two weeks your will receive paperwork that lays out the process on how to get your car back. Part of the process is to be screened by an alcohol counselor who is licensed by the state. Unfortunately, there are many unethical screeners in New York City that are only looking to make money and not help. You must identify one that is honest and will give you a full assessment. An additional item you will need is a release from the DA. This is extremely cumbersome since most DWI prosecutors are very inexperienced and make it very difficult to obtain this release. Once you have these items you can send them into the NYPD and hope you receive a fair settlement for your car. You may be charged $100-$500 as a settlement fee is this is your first arrest.
The entire process is long and can be very frustrating for the average person if they have not dealt with it before. More information can be found at newyorkcitydwi.com and dwiqueens.com.
