Hope everyone is okay here.  108 busts on ECB this week.  I know some of you prefer the pricing, but having a car impounded has to suck.

I'm glad that all of us at TER have settled for writing fictional accounts of fantasy encounters.  Much safer, eh?

Ditto on that.

I've always wondered though.  If they impound your car, does that mean they sell it or do you pay the fine and get it back?  Anyone know?

Its my understanding that if your car was used in a 'crime'...you lose it!

My understanding is that they can impound your car and sell it, without establishing in court that a crime has occurred.

If LE is so inclined, one could imagine them impounding your car, should you simply slow down while they're operating their stings.

So much for our constitutional protections against illegal and search and seizure. RIP - U.S. Constitution.

Do they take over the lien as well?

This is what i wonder. What if you rented a car with all the optional insurances?  (THen so what if it got impounded?)

it's like like DUI.. they tow your car and you have to pay the hook fee and the lot fee to get it back.  

That's what "Impound" normally implies.  It's a pain in your ass since you have to go get your papers and find the lot open and get rides to and from, etc.  Nevermind paying the fees.

They would have specified "Seizure" if that's what they meant.  Those laws are used in two or three smaller municipalities, El Cajon, I think Carlsbad? and I forget which other.

Still not a good reason to play on ECB.. there were CHILDREN out there.

Elise

I believe you can buy your car back from them at Blue Book price. And it will not be returned should you win a case.  You still have to buy it back.  Isn't that extortion?

ECB = El Cajon Blvd!

Actually,, I think San Diego does use the seizure law as well, or they were playing too.  In fact, I think they started it locally.

East County Buffet.  I've heard the seafood is a must, but you can catch sometime if not served properly.  Also, I've heard the place stench of coffee and donut scent.

For those in the know, as indicated in the Prostitution Sting article in the Union Tribune, ECB is El Cajon Blvd from Park to 73rd covering North Park, City Heights, Normal Heights and other districts all the way to La Mesa, all within the city of SD. This is the site of many sting operations, but SD doesn't have a seizure law, only an impound law.  But, as the article states, LE is not going away in this area.

If caught soliciting, they tow your car and you are hit with tow and impound fees (usually 30 days worth) before you can get your car back.  National City, El Cajon and Oceanside have seizure laws where you have to buy back your car if you want it.  Seems like an unconstitutional law because of its disproportionate effect on people (new car vs. old car value) wherein everyone, in essence, pays a different "fine."  Although the courts have upheld these laws, I suspect someday someone will successfully challenge them.  Where is Johnny Cochran when we need him??????

I doubt the insurance would cover that.  I'm sure they would fight it saying you were using the car in a manner that was breaking the law.
Some rental companies started to track down clients who had rented cars and then got parking or red light camera tickets to have them pay the fines.  Considering the impound fee, in this case, would be a lot more than a $300+ red light cam ticket I'm sure they would track you down.

Actually I might be mistaken but I believe the City of San Diego was the first to use the seizure laws on ECB.  If they weren't they sure were considering it.

If your car is impounded, you can get it back by paying the towing and storage fees.  On the other hand if your car is seized you lose it.  The seizing agency can either sell your car (usually at a public auction) or can decide to keep it and use it themselves.  This is how they often get the cars used in undercover work.  Either way you're still responsible for anything you still owe on it.

City of San Diego uses seizure laws for felony behaviors more often.   They otherwise would have to turn into a used vehicle and vessel sales as well as home sales full time.  Usually they reserve seizures for the high value items involved in committing a felony.  (Slam dunks in court).. doesn't mean if you drive a Lamborghini or a Hummer and do a misdemeanor they might not consider hammering you, but they really don't want your Buick.  More trouble than it's worth.  There's a load of paperwork and some court time involved in a seizure.  It must be proved that the "ITEM" committed a crime!!   They reserve it for high dollar items like homes and well cared for boats and they probably have a dollar amount that they won't go under when considering what to seize.

Smaller municipalities that have their own stings and are just substituting in the year/ make/model  of your vehicle when doing reports for a sting and taking your car are just wanting to make a point and stop the crime... they're not so interested in the dollar value that they may reap in the end.

Municipalities all have different agendas, focuses.... and pension difficulties, etc...
Elise