Search and Seizure of Cars, Trucks, & Motorcycles – Atlantic & Cape May County
Consequences of Possessing Drugs While Operating a Vehicle
Was your car seized after the police searched your car and found drugs or drug paraphernalia? Have you requested the return of your car and been denied? Are you also facing criminal charges for drug possession?
Individuals who have been charged with possessing drugs while operating a motor vehicle face numerous criminal and administrative consequences, including jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and car seizure. Each of these consequences results in its own separate hearing with its own timeline. It can be easy to get lost in the midst of everything.
I am criminal defense attorney John W. Tumelty. As a skilled defense lawyer with state and county prosecutorial experience, I have the insight into how these hearings are handled and what it takes to create a strong case in my client’s favor. When it comes to requesting the return of seized property, I know how to expedite the hearing request process and what to emphasize during the administrative hearing.
The Administrative Hearing
While you can attend the hearing without counsel, it is best to be represented by an attorney, as administrative hearings take on the form and function of a trial. During the hearing, it is up to the police to show that the car was used during the commission of a drug crime and that it must be kept in police custody for public safety purposes. They must show that there was probable cause to search your car and then seize it.
Once the police have presented their side of the story, you then have the opportunity to challenge their arguments, present evidence and testify. It is at this time that you must be careful about what you say and how you frame the evidence you admit.
Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer John W. Tumelty
Seek out experienced defense representation for your seized car hearing. With 30 years of experience on both sides of the courtroom, I am able to provide an exceptional criminal defense to anyone facing criminal and administrative consequences in Southern New Jersey. Whether you live in Atlantic City, Cape May, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Wildwood or were just driving through, I can help. Contact me today at 609-390-4600 for a free consultation to discuss your options.
