How much physical abuse can “Wal-Mart Cops” legally dish during a detainment for suspected shoplifting?
You can probably call down to the police agency that seized your vehicle and they will release the car to you. If they will not, then call a criminal defense lawyer to get the car back for you. Vehicle seizure laws require that the vehicle be a tool for committing the crime. As such, they are taken for DWI and in drug cases where it is determined that the vehicle is being used to aid in the sale of drugs. Shoplifting does not fall into this category. If your state does have such a bizarre forfeiture law, your attorney should have little difficulty in getting the car back. However, I strongly advise you to call the police agency. If they will not give you the car, then ask them to provide the General Statute number that authorizes the forfeiture so that you can share that information with your attorney. I also strongly urge you to contact a personal injury lawyer regarding Wal-mart. Lawyers that advertise heavily for personal injury cases are often just running personal injury factories
