Virginia law § 19.2-386.16 mandates the forfeiture of vehicles used in the commission of certain crimes, including drug offenses, theft, and crimes involving minors. Law enforcement officers are authorized to seize and deliver such vehicles to the appropriate authorities upon arrest. The law also details the procedures for enforcing forfeiture under Chapter 22.1.
Vehicles can be forfeited if used in the commission of certain crimes such as drug offenses, theft involving property valued at $1,000 or more, or crimes involving minors, including prostitution and related offenses.
Law enforcement officers seize the vehicle upon arrest of the operator for a qualifying offense and deliver it to the local sheriff, who then takes a receipt for the vehicle.
Yes, vehicle owners can contest forfeiture through legal proceedings as provided in Chapter 22.1 of Virginia law, which outlines the enforcement process.
Yes, it includes specific crimes such as certain drug offenses, theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, and crimes involving minors, among others listed in the law.