car impoundment & checkpoint toolkit: section 3

8/4/2019 Car Impoundment & Checkpoint Toolkit: Section 3

1/18

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The 4th Amendment of the Constitutionguarantees all people the right to be freefrom unreasonable searches and seizures.Checkpoints are seizures within themeaning of the 4th Amendment and must bereasonable to be valid.

In a case involving the constitutionality ofpolice sobriety checkpoints, the US SupremeCourt held that these checkpoints met the4th Amendment standard of "reasonable

search and seizure."

Although cases have discussed theexistence of valid routine license andregistration checkpoints, drivers licensecheckpoints themselves have not beenexplicitly ruled constitutional.

However Section 12801.5(e) of the CAVehicle Code does state that:

Additionally checkpoints meant to detectgeneral criminal wrongdoing or for thepurpose of immigration enforcement(away from the border) areunconstitutional.

What is a DUI Checkpoint?

A roadblock set up by law enforcement agencieson specific roads and highways to stop and holdpeople suspected of driving under the influence.

Why can they take place?

In Ingersoll v. Palmer the Supreme Court ofCalifornia upheld the constitutionality of checkpointsand identified factors for balancing individual rightsand public safety.

How is a location chosen for a

checkpoint?

The location of the checkpoint should be planned andapproved by a supervisor in advance and should bereasonable i.e. on a road having a high rate of alcohol

related accidents or arrests.

What makes a checkpoint valid?

The Ingersoll factors to determine if a checkpoint isreasonable include the selection of the site for thecheckpoint as discussed above as well as whether:

the checkpoint was set up in a clearly identifiableway (proper lighting, off-road space for furtherquestioning)

the location highlights the official nature of thecheckpoint (warning signs, presence of officers inuniform, etc.)

the length and nature of the detention wasreasonable (each motorist should be detainedonly long enough for the officer to question the

driver briefly and to look for signs of intoxication)there was advance publicity of the checkpoint

How does an officer determine who to

stop at a checkpoint?

Like a roadblock for border crossings or other checks,officers should use a neutral policy or formula to stopvehicles and check the sobriety of the driver (everythird, tenth driver, etc).

If the driver appears intoxicated (slurred speech,glassy eyes, etc.) officers will ask the driver to exit thevehicle and perform field sobriety tests.

Under CA law an officer CAN require that a dproduce a valid license, registration, and proinsurance however:

How are checkpoints fund

The main source of funding for checkpoints is gfrom the California Office of Traffic Safety (O

OTS mini grants to local law enforcement ageoutline specific requirements on data collecand publicity.

Can I avoid a checkpoint?

Yes, if you see or know about a checkpoint younot have to enter it, however if you violate anytraffic law while trying to avoid it (illegal turn or change, etc.) the police are permitted to stop yo

ICE agents at checkpoi

The closer you are to the border the more likelyICE will collaborate with local police; however astate or local checkpoints primary purpose of checkpointmust still be to preserve publicsafety.

However, ICE maybe notified when an officersuspects the driver is undocumented although:

a peace officer may not detain orarrest a person solely on the belief that

the person is an unlicensed driver

Officers should not request or demandlicenses at DUI checkpoints unless there

reasonable grounds to believed thedriver is impaired

Drivers (or passengers) are not compelto answer any questions beyond

giving their name


2/18

WANT TO DO MORE?

a. Consider a rapid response network to letpeople know about checkpoints in yourcommunity

b. Consider a ride share program in yourcity

c. Do you know what your cityscheckpoint/impound policies are? You

can submit a Public Records Act requestto find out.

FOR MORE INFORMATION IF:

1. Your car gets impounded:a. See ACLU-SC Know Your Rights:

Impoundsandb. National Lawyers Guild LA

chapter campaign fact sheet andflyer

2. You think officers are violating the law:a. See ACLU-NC Checkpoint

Observing Toolkit

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTSCONTACT:

ACLU of Southern CaliforniaOrange County Office

2140 W. Chapman Ave, Ste. 209Orange, CA 92868

(714) 450-3962

Checkpoint

Tool for

Advocates

American Civil Liberties Union

of Southern California

If you feel you were mistreated youcan file a complaint with your locallaw enforcement agency or contactyour local ACLU. If you do submit acomplaint be sure to keep a copy.


3/18

QUE DEBE SABER

La 4ta enmienda de la Constitucin garantiza atodos el derecho de ser libre de registros yincautaciones irrazonables. Puntos o puestosde control (checkpoints) son incautaciones enel sentido de la 4ta enmienda y tienen que serrazonable para ser validos.

En un caso relativo a la constitucionalidad depuntos de control la Corte Suprema de losEstados Unidos sostuvo que estos puestoseran razonables y cumplan con los requisitos

de la 4ta

enmienda.

Aunque casos han discutido la existencia depuestos de control para licencias y seguros deautos, puestos de control solamente pararevisar licencias no han sido explcitamenteaprobados por la Corte.

Pero, Seccin 12801.5(e) del Cdigo deVehculos de California dice:

Adicionalmente, puestos de control con elpropsito de detectar infracciones penales engeneral, o para investigar cuestiones deinmigracin (lejos de la frontera) soninconstitucionales.

Qu es un Puesto de Controlde Sobriedad?

Un puesto de control establecido por policas encaminos y en carreteras especificas para detener yretener a gente sospechada de manejar bajo lainfluencia.

Porque pueden existir vlidamente?

En el caso de Ingersoll v. Palmer, la Corte Supremade California confirmo la constitucionalidad de lospuestos de control e identifico factores paraequilibrar los derechos individuales con la seguridadpblica.

Cmo se escoge el lugar para un

puesto de control?

El lugar del puesto de control debe ser planificado yaprobado por un oficial supervisor de antemano ydebe ser razonable, es decir, por una calle que tiene

una alta tasa de accidentes relacionados a alcohol.

Cuales factores hacen un puesto

valido?

Los factores del caso Ingersoll para determinar siun puesto es razonable incluye la seleccin del sitiopara el puesto como mencionado arriba y tambin:

Si el puesto estuvo establecido en una maneraobvia, con mucha luz, con espacio para muchosautos etc.Si el sitio ilumina el carcter oficial del puestocon seales de advertencia, la presencia deoficiales en uniforme, etc.Si el tiempo tomado para cuestionar a una

persona es razonable dado la circunstancias (unoficial no se debe tardar ms de lo necesariopara observar si un chofer esta intoxicado)Hubo publicidad previa del puesto

Cmo determina un oficial a quien

parar en un puesto?

Como un reten cerca de la frontera o en lugaressimilar, un oficial debe utilizar una formula neutralpara parar autos y fijarse en la sobriedad de elchofer (cada segundo, cuarto auto, etc.)

Si el chofer aparece intoxicado (tiene probhablando, ojos vidriosos, etc.) el oficial le pedirdel auto para realizar pruebas de sobriedad.

Bajo la ley en California, un oficial SI puedeque un chofer produzca una licencia vregistracin y seguro del auto pero:

Quin paga para que los puesto

reali

La principal fuente de financiacin de los puesotorga con la Oficina de Seguridad de TrafiCalifornia. Becas de la oficina a agencias de vienen con requisitos especficos relacionadpublicidad de, y recopilacin de datos en, puest

Puedo evitar a un puesto de contro

Si, si ve o sabe de un puesto, no tiene que entrl, sin embargo, si usted viola a una regla de tr(haciendo una vuelta ilegal, no sealar, etc.)intentando evitar a un puesto, un oficial lo puedparar.

Hay Agentes de inmigracipuestos de con

Lo ms cerca que este a la frontera lo ms probque agentes de inmigracin colaboren con policlocal; pero en un puesto de control de agentes estado o de polica local el propsito primarioque ser preservar la seguridad pblica.

Sin embargo, agentes de ICE pueden ser notificcuando un oficial sospecha que un chofer esindocumentado aunque:

un oficial no puede detener o arrestara una persona solamente porque cree

que la persona no tiene licencia

Oficiales no deben preguntar por su licenen un puesto de control de sobriedad a meque tenga motivos razonables para creer

esta bajo la influencia de alcohol

Choferes (o pasajeros) no estn obligadresponder a preguntas ms all de

dar su nombre


4/18

QUIERE HACER MAS?

a. Considere la posibilidad de establecer unred de respuesta rpida para que lacomunidad sepa cuando hay puestos decontrol

b. Considere un programa de compartirviajes en su cuidad

c. Conoce las polticas de su cuidadrelacionadas a puestos de control yremolques? Puede entregar una solicitudde informacin sobre documentospblicos para averiguar.

PARA MAS INFORMACION SI:

1. Su auto ha sido remolcado:a. Vea ACLU-SC Conozca Sus

Derechos: Remolque de Autosyb. National Lawyers Guild Los

ngeles informacin sobrecampaa y folleto

2. Piensa que oficiales estn violando la ley:a. Vea ACLU-NC Checkpoint

Observing Toolkit

Para aprender ms sobre sus derechospnganse en contacto con:

ACLU del Sur de CaliforniaOficina del Condado de Orange

2140 W. Chapman Ave, Ste. 209Orange, CA 92868

(714) 450-3962

Informacion sobr

Checkpoints/Puest

de Control



Si usted siente que fue maltratadopuede presentar una queja ante la

agencia local de policia o contacte suACLU local. Si usted presenta unaqueja, asegrese de guardar una

copia


5/18

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The law says that the impoundment of acar only because the driver isunlicensed [without considering thecommunity caretaker doctrine explainedbelow] is an unreasonable seizure underthe 4th Amendment of the Constitution.

Under the community caretaker doctrine,your car should not be towed unless it isparked where it is a risk to public

safety, would be inconvenient to otherdrivers, delays traffic, or might bestolen or vandalized if left alone.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Pulled Over Without A Valid DriversLicense?

. Immediately park in a legal and safelocation (watch for red zones, parkingrestrictions, fire hydrants, etc and avoid

these areas).. Stay calm and follow the officers

directions. If the officer asks for yourname you can provide it.

. The officer may ask you for your licenseand registration. Provide these materialsif you have them. DO NOT attempt to useany false documents.

. Ask the officer why he stopped you and ifyou are free to go.

. You DO NOT have to answer anyquestions about your immigration status;any information you provide (such as yourcountry of origin or your length ofpresence in the US) could be used againstyou.

6. You may be given a ticket for driving without alicense.

a. By signing you are only assuring yourpresence at traffic court. If you choosenot to sign, you can be arrested anddetained.

If you do not have a valid drivers license and

there is no licensed driver available to pick up ormove your car, it will likely be towed unless:

It is not a risk to public safety, inconvenient toother drivers, or causes delays in traffic &It would be safe if left parked and alone.

What To Do If Your Car Is Towed:

1. To get the car back the owner of the caror someone acting on his/her behalf must:

a. provide proof of registration for the carand a valid drivers license

b. pay the towing and storage fees for thecar.

2. If your car is impounded for 30 days, you havethe right to a hearing on the impoundment.

3. If you are going to request a hearing, do so assoon as possible, impound fees add up daily.

4. Unless the impounding agency notifies thelegal owner of the car within 2 working daysby certified mail of the impound, the ownercannot be charged for more than 15 days ofstorage and towing fees

At your hearing, you can discuss mitigaticircumstances(need for transportation work, school, misunderstanding, etc.) get your car before the end of the 30 dperiod.

You do notneed to be represented by an

attorney at your hearing and the hearing be conducted by an officer not a judge.

If you are unsuccessful in your appeal or chnot to appeal make sure you find out about city and its impound lots policies around fee

unclaimed cars and auctions.

If You Dont Or Cant Retrieve Your Car:

1. After 30 days in impound your car may b

sold at a public auction so the towing agecan recoup its costs.

2. If the car is sold, the registered owner m

still be on the hook for any costs not coveby the sale.

BEFORE YOU GET

ON THE ROAD1. Make sure your registration and

insurance is up to date.

2. Make sure your car complies with vehicle code restrictionsa. Avoid hanging items from your

rearview mirror, make sure youtail lights are working, etc.

3. Review your citys impound policyand ask your City Council to do thsame

a. Does the policy allow time folicensed driver to pick up avehicle before its impounded

b. Does your police departmentview a 30 day impound asmandatory or discretionary?

Ask the officer if you can have a licensed

driver pick up the vehicle or if you can

leave the car parked.

You can contact the law enforcement

agency that ordered the impoundment

immediately by phone, letter or in person

to request a hearing.


6/18

Attention California Peace Officer

If the impound cannot be shown to be based

upon a lawful arrest, where the vehicle isevidence in the underlying case, or pursuant tothecommunity caretaking policy, merely citing

a state statute which authorizes seizure will notovercome the constitutional prohibition of takingproperty without awarrant.

The Ninth Circuitrecentlyruled, inMiranda v.City of Cornelius, thatimpounding vehicles,when theonly charge is driving without alicense, wasunconstitutionalif there is no

ustification under the community caretakerdoctrine.

The Court also rejected the argument thatimpounding the vehicle deterred the driver

from repeating this illegal activity in the

future. The Court stated that (w)hile theSupreme Court has accepted a deterrence

rationale for civil forfeitures of vehicles that wereused for criminal activity, thedeterrence

rationale is incompatible with the principles ofthe community caretaking doctrine.the

purpose of the community caretaking function

is to remove vehicles that are presentlyimpeding traffic or creating a hazard.

- Martin J. Mayer, Esq. Legal counsel to California

Sheriffs (CSSA); California Police Chiefs (CPCA);

and California Peace Officers Association.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTSCONTACT:

ACLU of Southern CaliforniaOrange County Office

2140 W. Chapman Ave., Suite 209Orange, CA. 92868

Car Impoundmen

Know Your Right

American Civil Liberties Unionof Southern California

If you feel you were mistreated youcan file a complaint with your locallaw enforcement agency or contactyour local ACLU. If you do submit acomplaint be sure to keep a copy.


7/18

QUE DEBE SABER

La ley dice que el remolque de unvehculo solo porque el chofer no tieneicencia [sin consideracin de la doctrinade community caretaker explicadadespus] es una incautacin irrazonablebajo la 4ta enmienda de la Constitucin.

Bajo la doctrina de community caretaker,su auto no debe ser remolcado a menosque est estacionado donde es un

riesgo para la seguridad pblica, seranconveniente para otros conductoreso causara trfico, o puede ser robadoo daado si se deja solo.

QUE DEBE HACER

Parado sin licencia de conducir?

Inmediatamente estacinese en un lugarlegal y seguro (ojo a zonas rojas, pompasde agua, u otras restricciones, etc. yevite estas reas).

Mantenga la calma y siga las instruccionesdel oficial. Si el oficial le pide su nombre,se lo puede decir.El oficial puede pedir su licencia y elregistro del auto, proporcione estosmateriales si los tiene. NO intente utilizardocumentacin falsa.Pregntele al oficial porque lo detuvo y siusted es libre para irse.Usted NO TIENE que contestar ningunapregunta sobre su estatus migratorio, ycualquier informacin que ustedproporcione (por ejemplo, su pas deorigen o la duracin de su presencia en losEE.UU.) podra ser usado en su contra.

6. Usted puede recibir una multa por conducir sinlicencia.

a. Con su firma solo esta asegurando supresencia frente la corte de trfico, si decideno firmar, puede ser arrestado y detenido.

Si usted no tiene una licencia vlida y no haynadie con licencia quien pueda recoger o mover

su auto, ser remolcada al menos que:

No es un riesgo para la seguridad pblica,inconveniente para otros conductores, o causaretrasos en el trfico yEl auto estara seguro aunque estuvieraestacionado solo.

Qu Hacer si su Auto es Remolcado:

1. Para obtener el auto de nuevo usted o alguiencon su autoridad tiene que:

a. Proveer prueba de registro del auto yuna licencia de conducir valida

b. Pagar las cuotas del remolque y de lacompaa de gra.

2. Si su auto es confiscado por 30 das, ustedtiene el derecho a una audiencia sobre elremolque.

3. Si usted va a solicitar a una audiencia hgalo loms pronto posible, multas se agregandiariamente.

4. A menos que la agencia de incautacin notifiqueal propietario legal del auto dentro de 2 das nose le puede cobrar ms de 15 das dealmacenamiento.

En su audiencia, puede hablar decircunstancias atenuantes para conseguauto antes de que terminen los 30 das.

Si no tiene exito en su apelacion o decidapelar en una audiencia asegurese sabe

reglas de su cuidad asociadas confiscaciones y remates de autos.

Si no puede o no planea reclamar su auto:

1. Despus de 30 das en la incautacin suauto puede ser vendido en un remate p

para que la agencia de remolque puedarecuperar sus gastos.

2. Si se vende el auto, el propietario legal dauto todava puede tener que pagar los

costos no cubiertos por la venta.

ANTES DE SUBIRSE AL AUT1. Asegrese que su registro y segu

de auto este valida.2. Asegrese que su auto cumpla co

todas las restricciones del CdigoVehculos.a. Evite colgar objetos de su espe

asegrese que sus luces estntrabajando, etc.

3. Revise las reglas de su cuidad soel remolque de autos y pregntelesu concilio local que haga lo mism

a. Permite si cuidad dejar tiemque llegue un chofer con licepara recoger a su auto antesremolcarlo?

b. Piensa su polica local que incautacin del auto para 30das es obligatorio?

Pregntele al oficial si puede llamar a unchofer con licencia para recoger al auto o si

puede dejar el auto estacionado.

Puede contactar la agencia que ordeno laincautacin inmediatamente por telfono,

carta, o en persona para pedir unaaudiencia.


8/18

Attention California Peace Officer

If the impound cannot be shown to be based

upon a lawful arrest, where the vehicle isevidence in the underlying case, or pursuant tothecommunity caretaking policy, merely citinga state statute which authorizes seizure will notovercome the constitutional prohibition of taking

property without a warrant.

The Ninth Circuitrecentlyruled, inMiranda v.City of Cornelius, thatimpounding vehicles,when theonly charge is driving without alicense, wasunconstitutionalif there is noustification under the community caretaker

doctrine.

The Court also rejected the argument thatimpounding the vehicle deterred the driver

from repeating this illegal activity in the

future. The Court stated that (w)hile theSupreme Court has accepted a deterrence

rationale for civil forfeitures of vehicles that wereused for criminal activity, thedeterrence

rationale is incompatible with the principles ofthe community caretaking doctrine.thepurpose of the community caretaking functionis to remove vehicles that are presentlyimpeding traffic or creating a hazard.

- Martin J. Mayer, Esq. Legal counsel to California

Sheriffs (CSSA); California Police Chiefs (CPCA);

and California Peace Officers Association.

Para aprender ms sobre sus derechospnganse en contacto con:

ACLU del Sur de CaliforniaOficina del Condado de Orange

2140 W. Chapman Ave., Suite 209Orange, CA. 92868

Remolque de Auto

Conozca sus

Derechos



Si usted siente que fue maltratadopuede presentar una queja ante la

agencia local de policia o contacte alsu ACLU local. Si usted presenta una

queja, asegrese de guardar unacopia.


9/18

Prepared by: The Los Angeles Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild

Stop the 30-Day Impound Campaign in the City of Los Angeles Fact Sheet

Cities & Counties are Profiting at the Expense of the Most Vulnerable PopulationsThe City of Los Angeles is taking the cars of drivers without current licenses or with expired licenses and

keeping them for 30 days making it financially impossible to get their cars back.

The average cost of a 30-day impound is $2000 or more.Drivers cannot afford to retrieve their vehicles and the

cost of the impound is more than the value of the vehicle.

This is theft of private property and disproportionatelyaffects poor, immigrant drivers and their families,punishing them more severely than for a DUI offense.

California receives $100 million in federal funding eachyear to conduct DUI checkpoints. Often only 1-3 drunkdrivers are caught per checkpoint. Meanwhile, dozens of

poor, immigrant drivers have their vehicles impounded for

30 days for driving without a current California license.

RESULT:

Windfall revenues: Statewide, in 2009, $40 millionfrom checkpoints alone. This is a small portion ofwhat private tow companies make from these

contracts.

Overtime Costs: Checkpoints are staffed with 20 ormore officers. Federal guidelines require 6. Officersearn $30 million in overtime from checkpoints alone.

Families are left on the side of the road, unable to even

retrieve their personal items from the vehicle before itis impounded.

Corruption: The 14602.6 30-day impound is a lucrative revenue source that creates opportunities forcorruption. One example is the City of Maywood, where the private company, Maywood Club Tow,

secured an exclusive towing contract through 2015. It was discovered that Maywood Club Tow was

paying for police officers meals, drinks, and trips to Las Vegas.

Improper Seizure and Impound of Vehicles Under California Vehicle Code 14602.6What Does the Law in California Require? - Impounding vehiclesSOLELY on the charge of driving without a license [absent communitycaretaker doctrine concerns] is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. (Miranda v. City of

Cornelius (9th Cir. US Ct of App); People v. Williams (CA Ct of App))

California Vehicle Code (CVC) 14602.6(a)(1) permits mandatory 30-day impounding when:

o Driving with a suspended or revoked licenseo Driving without ever having been issued a license

License: issued in CA or Foreign Jurisdiction (CVC 310) Foreign Jurisdiction: another state or country (CVC 325)

Therefore, there is no 14602.6 offense if a person is driving:o With a current license from another state or countryo With an expired license from California, another state or countryo Without a license but were issued a license in California, another

state or country at any point in timeAND the vehicles should not be impounded for 30-days. Also, if a licenseddriver is present to drive the car, there is nocommunity caretaker concern andthe vehicle SHOULD NOT be impounded AT ALL.

What is LAPD actually doing?LAPD construes without ever having

been issue a license to mean not inpossession of a currently valid license to

drive in CA.

As a result, LAPD impounds the

vehicles of drivers for 30 days: With

current licenses from other states or

countries; With expired licenses

from other states or countries; Who

do not have drivers license withthem but had been issued a license

from California, other states or

countries in the past

Also, Emergency medical care,chronic illness and child-care areNOT mitigating circumstances,according to LAPD.

Defective Notice Regarding Right to Impound HearingWhat Does the State Law Require? - Under CVC 14602.6(b), theregistered owner has the right to an impound hearing to dispute:

The validity of the impound OR to show mitigating circumstancesfor why the vehicle should be returned in less than 30-days

The impounding agency shall release the vehicle prior to 30-days if:o The vehicle was a stolen vehicleo OR When the license was suspended or revoked for an offense

not listed under 14602.6

o OR When the vehicle was seized for an offense for which suchseizure is not authorized under 14602.6 (i.e. that the officer

misapplied the vehicle code)

o OR when the driver reinstates/acquires a license and insurance

o OR the legal owner is a motorvehicle dealer, bank, or other

licensed financial institution ifcertain conditions are met

What is LAPD Actually Doing?LAPD only provides a CHP 180 form,

which, in small print, only gives notice

of the right to request a hearing, NOT

what the owner can dispute.

In fact, it refers to CVC 22852, which

only explains procedures for the hearing.

RESULT:


10/18


Of 100-200 impounds per month under 14602.6, only 1% requesthearingsthats only 1 or 2 vehicles per month.

Out of that 1%, only 25% successfully retrieve the vehicle in lessthan 30 daysthats less that 1 car per month.

What Other Cities and Counties Have Done to Address the Plight of Low-Income CommunitiesSan Francisco: Unlicensed drivers have 20 minutes for alicensed and insured person to arrive and remove thevehicle. The vehicle will be subject to a 30-day impound

ONLY if the driver commits a second offense within six

months.

Bell Gardens & Huntington Park: Bell Gardens, whichmodified its policy in September, 2007, and HuntingtonPark, which approved the change in October, 2007, allow

unlicensed drivers to reclaim their vehicles immediately

from the tow yard and do not impose a mandatory 30-day

impound.

Example of a More Humane Impound Policy: City of MaywoodIn December, 2005, the City of Maywood City Council passed Resolution No. 5215, making it the policy that: Policeofficers shall refrain from impounding vehicles of unlicensed drivers, if the vehicle is already securely located in alegal parking space OR a licensed driver is available to remove the vehicle to a safe place.

If the vehicle must be impounded because it cannot be safely parked or removed, the vehicle shall be immediatelyreleased if the owner arrives with a licensed driver or otherwise legally removes the vehicle.

Police officers shall use their discretion to refrain from impounding vehicles with equipment violations. If it is still safeto drive the vehicle OR the owner can arrange for the vehicle to be towed to a place of safety of the owners choice, i

should not be impounded.

When determining whether to seize the vehicle, the officer must take into account the vehicle occupants well-being (i.e. if the person is handicapped, has special needs or medical problems, or whether the stop occurred in anunsafe or secluded area).

Impound Hearings:The owner is able to contest:

o The propriety of impounding the vehicle under 14602.6 itselfo The amount of storage fees based on financial hardshipo Any other mitigating circumstances that cause unreasonable hardship or special circumstancesThe Notice provided to the owner regarding the impound hearing will include a description of the issues that the

owner can contest at the hearing.

California Office of Legislative Counsel and the State Attorney General

Have Spoken Against the Current LAPD Practices

The Legislative Counsel of California concluded that:

When there is a lawful stop and the driver is unlicensed, and the officer is unable to remove the vehicle to a place

that does not impede traffic or threaten public safety, the officer maybe justified in impounding the vehicle under the

community caretaking function and 14602.6

However, based on the recent cases ofCoccia, Miranda, and Williams, if an appropriate person possessed a validdrivers license and was readily available to remove the motor vehicle so that it did no pose a threat to the flow of

traffic or public safety and could be removed to a safe place and the peace officer, based on his or her observations,

was confident that the unlicensed driver would not continue to drive the vehicle, the impoundment of the vehiclewould not serve a community caretaking function, and therefore would not be justified.

California State Attorney General Report, In the Matter of the City of Maywood:Under the community caretaking doctrine, an officer may ONLYimpound a vehicle if NECESSARY to ensure thatthe location or operation of vehicles does not jeopardize the public safety. (Miranda v. City of Cornelius (9th Cir.

2005) 429 F.3d 858, 860.)

City of Maywoods decision to make vehicle stops/impoundments an enforcement priority appears to have been

motivated by two major concernsthe desire to provide safe streets and roads within the City limits and to raiserevenue for the City. The first concern is legitimate. No one can question the fact that unlicensed drivers pose a

serious danger. However, the second concern is, at the very least troublesome.Enforcement priorities that aremotivated by the desire to raise revenue for a municipality, [make] it increasingly difficult to address more

serious crime problems. Where an enforcement priority is motivated by the desire to raise revenue, allegationsof corruption may arise, as occurred here.


11/18



12/18

Tell City Council and Mayor Villaraigosa:Stop the 30 Day Impound of Cars of

Immigrant Drivers!

The 9th Circuit US Court of Appeals, in Miranda v. City of Cornelius, and theCalifornia Court of Appeal, in People v. Williams, found that impounding vehicleson the sole charge of driving without a license [absent consideration of thecommunity caretaker doctrine] is unconstitutional. The City of Los Angeles istaking the cars of immigrants and keeping them for 30 days making it financiallyimpossible to get their cars back. This is theft of private property and immigrantdrivers are being punished more severely than drivers who are stopped for a DUI.

What You Can Do Today:1. Comply with all laws, customs, practices and rules of the road.2. Carpool with a licensed driver or take public transportation.3. Call your City Councilmember and Mayor Villaraigosa. Tell them to stop

stealing the cars of immigrant drivers and follow the law which allowsindividuals to park safely without having their vehicle impounded for 30days. Mayor Villaraigosas #: (213)978-0600

What To Do If Pulled Over Without A Valid Drivers License:1. Immediately pull over and park in a legal and safe location.2. Be cooperative, polite and courteous with the officer.3. Ask the officer if you can have a licensed driver pick up the vehicle.4. You may be given a ticket for driving without a license.

What To Do If Your Car Is Towed:1. You have the right to a hearing on the impoundment [CVC 14602.6(b)].

Contact the law enforcement agency that ordered the impoundmentimmediately by phone, letter or in person to request hearing.

2. Unless the impounding agency notifies the legal owner of the vehiclewithin 2 working days via certified mail, the owner cannot be charged formore than 15 days storage and towing fees [CVC 14602.6(a)(2)].

3. If the legal owner is a dealer, bank or other licensed financial institution, itmay be possible to retrieve the car immediately [CVC 14602.6 (f)].

4. You may have the right to legal recourse. The city, county or state maybe liable for violating your constitutional rights. Seek legal counsel.

For more information, please call: (213) 260-0553

Tell City Council and Mayor Villaraigosa:Stop the 30 Day Impound of Cars of

Immigrant Drivers!

The 9th Circuit US Court of Appeal, in Miranda v. City of Cornelius, and theCalifornia Court of Appeal, in People v. Williams, found that impounding vehicleon the sole charge of driving without a license [absent consideration of thecommunity caretaker doctrine] is unconstitutional. The City of Los Angeles istaking the cars of immigrants and keeping them for 30 days making if financiallyimpossible to get their cars back. This is theft of private property and immigrandrivers are being punished more severely than drivers who are stopped for a D

What You Can Do Today:1. Comply with all laws, customs, practices and rules of the road.2. Carpool with a licensed driver or take public transportation.3. Call your City Councilmember and Mayor Villaraigosa. Tell them to sto

stealing the cars of immigrant drivers and follow the law which allowsindividuals to park safely without having their vehicle impounded for 30days. Mayor Villaraigosas #: (213)978-0600

What To Do If Pulled Over Without A Valid Drivers License:1. Immediately pull over and park in a legal and safe location.2. Be cooperative, polite and courteous with the officer.3. Ask the officer if you can have a licensed driver pick up the vehicle.4. You may be given a ticket for driving without a license.

What To Do If Your Car Is Towed:1. You have the right to a hearing on the impoundment [CVC 14602.6(b

Contact the law enforcement agency that ordered the impoundmentimmediately by phone, letter or in person to request hearing.

2. Unless the impounding agency notifies the legal owner of the vehiclewithin 2 working days via certified mail, the owner cannot be charged fmore than 15 days storage and towing fees [CVC 14602.6(a)(2)].

3. If the legal owner is a dealer, bank or other licensed financial institutionmay be possible to retrieve the car immediately [CVC 14602.6 (f)].

4. You may have the right to legal recourse. The city, county or state mabe liable for violating your constitutional rights. Seek legal counsel.

For more information, please call: (213) 260-0553


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Digale a su Concejal de Municipalidad y al AlcaldeVillaraigosa que Pare el Decomiso de 30 Das de

Vehculos de los Conductores Inmigrantes!La Corte de Apelaciones del Noveno Circuito de Estados Unidos, en Miranda v.Ciudad de Cornelius, y la Corte de Apelaciones, en El Pueblo v. Williams, handecidido que el decomiso de vehculos por el solo cargo de manejar sin licencia (enausencia de la doctrina del guardin comunitario) es inconstitucional. La Ciudad deLos Angeles esta decomisando vehculos de inmigrantes y incautandolos por 30das, haciendolo financialmente imposible para los inmigrantes que recuperan susvehculos. Esto es robo de propriedad privada y los conductores inmigrantes estancastigados mas severamente que los conductors bajo la influencia de el acohol.

Que Puede Hacer Hoy:1. Cumpla con todas las leyes, costumbres, prcticas y reglas del transito.2. Viaje con personas con licencia o tome el transporte pblico.3. Llame a su Concejal de Municipalidad y el Alcalde Villaraigosa [(213)978-

0600]. Diganles que paren de robar los vehculos de los conductoresinmigrantes y que sigan la ley, la cual permite que el vehculo sea estacionadoseguramente sin necesidad de 30 das de decomiso de sus vehculos.

Que Hacer Si Lo Paran Sin Una Licencia Valida de Conducir:1. Inmediatamente detengase y estacionese en un lugar legal y seguro.2. Coopere, sea cortes y respectuoso con el agente de polica.3. Pida al agente si puede llamarle a un conductor licenciado para recoger el

vehculo.4. Usted podra recibir una infraccin por manejar sin una licencia.

Que Hacer Si Su Carro Es Confiscado:1. Tiene el derecho a una audiencia sobre el decomiso [CVC 14602.6(b)].

Contacte inmediatamente por telfono, por carta o en persona, la agencia delorden que orden el decomiso para pedir una audiencia.

2. A menos de que la agencia de remolque notifique al propietario legal delvehculo en dos dias hbiles va correo certificado, el propietario no puederecibir un cargo de mas de 15 das de almacenamiento y cargos de remolque[CVC 14602.6(a)(2)].

3. Si el propietario legal es un vendedor de vehculos, banco, u otra institucinfinanciera, es posible recuperar el vehculo inmediatamente [CVC14602.6(f)].

4. Usted podra tener el derecho de recurso legal. La cuidad, condado o estadopodra ser responsible legalmente por violar sus derechos constitucionales.Busque consejera legal.

Para mas informacin, llame a: (213) 260-0553

Digale a su Concejal de Municipalidad y al AlcaldeVillaraigosa que Pare el Decomiso de 30 Das de

Vehculos de los Conductores Inmigrantes!La Corte de Apelaciones del Noveno Circuito de Estados Unidos, en Miranda v.Ciudad de Cornelius, y la Corte de Apelaciones, en El Pueblo v. Williams, handecidido que el decomiso de vehculos por el solo cargo de manejar sin licencia (eausencia de la doctrina del guardin comunitario) es inconstitucional. La Ciudad dLos Angeles esta decomisando vehculos de inmigrantes y incautandolos por 30das, haciendolo financialmente imposible para los inmigrantes que recuperan susvehculos. Esto es robo de propriedad privada y los conductores inmigrantes estacastigados mas severamente que los conductors bajo la influencia de el acohol.

Que Puede Hacer Hoy:1. Cumpla con todas las leyes, costumbres, prcticas y reglas del transito.2. Viaje con personas con licencia o tome el transporte pblico.3. Llame a su Concejal de Municipalidad y el Alcalde Villaraigosa [(213)978-

0600]. Diganles que paren de robar los vehculos de los conductoresinmigrantes y que sigan la ley, la cual permite que el vehculo sea estacionaseguramente sin necesidad de 30 das de decomiso de sus vehculos.

Que Hacer Si Lo Paran Sin Una Licencia Valida de Conducir:1. Inmediatamente detengase y estacionese en un lugar legal y seguro.2. Coopere, sea cortes y respectuoso con el agente de polica.3. Pida al agente si puede llamarle a un conductor licenciado para recoger el

vehculo.4. Usted podra recibir una infraccin por manejar sin una licencia.

Que Hacer Si Su Carro Es Confiscado:1. Tiene el derecho a una audiencia sobre el decomiso [CVC 14602.6(b)].

Contacte inmediatamente por telfono, por carta o en persona, la agencia dorden que orden el decomiso para pedir una audiencia.

2. A menos de que la agencia de remolque notifique al propietario legal delvehculo en dos dias hbiles va correo certificado, el propietario no puederecibir un cargo de mas de 15 das de almacenamiento y cargos de remolq[CVC 14602.6(a)(2)].

3. Si el propietario legal es un vendedor de vehculos, banco, u otra institucinfinanciera, es posible recuperar el vehculo inmediatamente [CVC14602.6

4. Usted podra tener el derecho de recurso legal. La cuidad, condado o estapodra ser responsible legalmente por violar sus derechos constitucionales.Busque consejera legal.

Para mas informacin, llame a: (213) 260-0553


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CASE ALERT MEMORANDUMJANUARy9, 2007

Prepared by the rm of

JONES & MAYER3777 North Harbor Boulevard

Fullerton, CA 92835(714) 446-1400 Fax: (714) 446-1448

California Peace Ofcers Association1455 Response Road, Suite 190, Sacramento, CA 95815

Phone- 916.263.0541 Fax- 916.263.6090E-mail- [email protected] www.cpoa.org

To: All Police Chiefs & Sheriffs

From: Martin J. Mayer

Latest Impound Case

In November of 2005, the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeal ruled that the authority toimpound a car, without a warrant, was limited under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S.Constitution. In the case of Miranda v. City of Cornelius, 429 F.3d 858, the court heldthat one could impound a vehicle, without a warrant, pursuant to a lawful arrest or if thecommunity caretaker provisions were present. The court stated that impounding a legally

parked vehicle was an unreasonable seizure when there was no reasonable justication forremoving it. [See our Client Alert Memos regarding this by going to our website,www.jones-mayer.com, click on Client Alerts and scroll down to 1/4/06 and 1/17/06.] OnDecember 13, 2006, the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, issued asimilar opinion in the case of People v. Williams, 145 Cal. App. 4th 756, holding that seizureof a vehicle, pursuant to Vehicle Code section 22651(h)(1), may also be unconstitutional,depending on circumstances.

Vehicle Code section 22651 authorizes a peace ofcer to remove a vehicleunderany of the following circumstances: (h)(1) When an ofcer arrests any person driving orin control of a vehicle for an alleged offense, and the ofcer is, by this code or other law,

required or permitted to take, and does take, the person into custody. Nonetheless, theWilliams court held that this statutory authorization does not, in and of itself, determinethe constitutional reasonableness of the seizure.

In the Williams case, Williams was stopped for driving without a seatbelt and, thereafter,the ofcer determined that there was an outstanding warrant for the appellant. He placedhim under arrest, impounded the car, searched the car and found a loaded gun and Williamswas subsequently convicted of carrying a loaded rearm. Prior to trial, appellant movedto suppress the gun as a product of an illegal seizure and search of the car. The ofcer had


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impounded the car pursuant to VC 22651(h)(1) because the driver in control of that vehiclewas being arrested.

At the time of the impound, the car was legally parked in front of the appellants own home,which the ofcer knew at the time. The car was a rental, it was not stolen and the appellant

was in legal possession of it. The ofcer acknowledged that the car could have been lockedand left right where appellant parked it, but he did not give appellant the opportunity to doso. He immediately decided to impound the car. The appellants challenge to impoundingthe car, and discovery of the weapon, is based on a violation of the Fourth Amendment.

The court states that a warrantless search is presumed to be illegal [and] the prosecutionalways has the burden of justifying the search by proving the search fell within a recognizedexception to the warrant requirement. In the instant case, the ofcer relied upon VehicleCode section 22651, subdivision (h)(1) as authority for impounding appellants car. While thestatute authorizes law enforcement ofcers to remove a vehicle when they make a custodialarrest of a person driving or in control of the vehicle, this statutory authorization does not,

in and of itself, determine the constitutional reasonableness of the seizure. Additionally, in afootnote, the court pointed out that the prosecution did not attempt to justify the warrantlesssearch as one incident to appellants arrest.

The court refers to City of Cornelius and states that the authority of police ofcers toimpound vehicles also exists pursuant to their community caretaking functions, whenvehicles jeopardizepublic safety and the efcient movement of vehicular trafc. Ofcershave a duty to prevent vehicles from creating a hazard to other drivers or being a target forvandalism or theft. If impounding a vehicle is justied, then a warrantless inventory searchof the vehicleis constitutionally reasonable.

Finally, said the court, the prosecution simply did not establish that impoundingappellants car served any community caretaking function. It therefore failed to establish theconstitutional reasonableness of the seizure and subsequent inventory search. The courtheld that relying on Vehicle Code section 22651 will not justify seizure of all cars. ...(T)heaction taken must nonetheless be reasonable in light of the justication for the impound andinventory exception to the search warrant requirements. Reasonableness is the touchstoneof the Fourth Amendment.

HOW THIS AFFECTS YOUR AGENCY

As we noted in our earlier Client Alert Memos, it will be necessary to justify seizing a vehiclewithout a warrant. If the impound cannot be shown to be based upon a lawful arrest, wherethe vehicle is evidence in the underlying case, or pursuant to the community caretaking policy,merely citing to a state statute which authorizes the seizure will not overcome the constitutionalprohibition of taking property without a warrant.

As always, and especially when dealing with unique areas of the law, it is imperative that youconfer with your own agencys legal advisor. Should you wish to discuss this case in greaterdetail, please feel free to contact me at 714 - 446-1400 or at [email protected]

car impoundment & checkpoint toolkit: section 3

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