Rhode Island General Laws 31-48-4. Seizure
(a) Any tool, implement, or instrumentality, including, but not limited to, a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part, used or possessed in connection with any violation of § 31-48-3 may be seized by a member of a state or local law enforcement agency upon process issued by any court of competent jurisdiction.
Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 31-48-4
- Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
- Injunction: An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
(b) Seizure of property described in subsection (a) of this section may be made by a member of a state or local law enforcement agency without process:
(1) If in accordance with any applicable law or regulation;
(2) If the seizure is incident to inspection under an administrative inspection warrant;
(3) If the seizure is incident to search made under a search warrant;
(4) If the seizure is incident to a lawful arrest;
(5) If the seizure is made pursuant to a valid consent to search;
(6) If the property seized has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the state in a criminal proceeding, or in an injunction or forfeiture proceeding under § 31-48-6; or
(7) If there are reasonable grounds to believe that the property is directly or indirectly dangerous to health or safety.
(c) When property is seized under this section, the seizing agency may:
(1) Lock and secure the property at its location; or
(2) Remove the property to a place selected and designated by the seizing agency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 273, § 1.