WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The 4th Amendment of the Constitution guarantees all people the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Checkpoints are seizures within the meaning of the 4th Amendment and must be reasonable to be valid. In a case involving the constitutionality of police sobriety checkpoints, the US Supreme Court held that these checkpoints met the 4th Amendment standard of "reasonable search and seizure." Although cases have discussed the existence of valid routine license and registration checkpoints, drivers license checkpoints themselves have not been explicitly ruled constitutional. However Section 12801.5(e) of the CA Vehicle Code does state that: a peace officer may not detain or arrest a person solely on the belief that the person is an unlicensed driver Additionally checkpoints meant to detect general criminal wrongdoing or for the purpose of immigration enforcement (away from the border) are unconstitutional.

Why can they take place?

In Ingersoll v. Palmer the Supreme Court of California upheld the constitutionality of checkpoints and identified factors for balancing individual rights and public safety.

Under CA law an officer CAN require that a driver produce a valid license, registration, and proof of insurance however: Officers should not request or demand licenses at DUI checkpoints unless there are reasonable grounds to believed the driver is impaired

How is a location chosen for a checkpoint?

The location of the checkpoint should be planned and approved by a supervisor in advance and should be reasonable i.e. on a road having a high rate of alcohol related accidents or arrests.

How are checkpoints funded?

The main source of funding for checkpoints is grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). OTS mini grants to local law enforcement agencies outline specific requirements on data collection and publicity.

What makes a checkpoint valid?

The Ingersoll factors to determine if a checkpoint is reasonable include the selection of the site for the checkpoint as discussed above as well as whether: the checkpoint was set up in a clearly identifiable way (proper lighting, off-road space for further questioning) the location highlights the official nature of the checkpoint (warning signs, presence of officers in uniform, etc.) the length and nature of the detention was reasonable (each motorist should be detained only long enough for the officer to question the driver briefly and to look for signs of intoxication) there was advance publicity of the checkpoint

Can I avoid a checkpoint?

Yes, if you see or know about a checkpoint you do not have to enter it, however if you violate any traffic law while trying to avoid it (illegal turn or lane change, etc.) the police are permitted to stop you.

ICE agents at checkpoints?

The closer you are to the border the more likely that ICE will collaborate with local police; however a state or local checkpoints primary purpose of the checkpoint must still be to preserve public safety. However, ICE may be notified when an officer suspects the driver is undocumented although: Drivers (or passengers) are not compelled to answer any questions beyond giving their name

How does an officer determine who to stop at a checkpoint? What is a DUI Checkpoint?
A roadblock set up by law enforcement agencies on specific roads and highways to stop and hold people suspected of driving under the influence. Like a roadblock for border crossings or other checks, officers should use a neutral policy or formula to stop vehicles and check the sobriety of the driver (every third, tenth driver, etc). If the driver appears intoxicated (slurred speech, glassy eyes, etc.) officers will ask the driver to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests.

WANT TO DO MORE?
a. Consider a rapid response network to let people know about checkpoints in your community b. Consider a ride share program in your city c. Do you know what your citys checkpoint/impound policies are? You can submit a Public Records Act request to find out.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS CONTACT:

ACLU of Southern California Orange County Office 2140 W. Chapman Ave, Ste. 209 Orange, CA 92868 (714) 450-3962

Checkpoint Tool for Advocates

FOR MORE INFORMATION IF:

1. Your car gets impounded: a. See ACLU-SC Know Your Rights: Impounds and b. National Lawyers Guild LA chapter campaign fact sheet and flyer 2. You think officers are violating the law: a. See ACLU-NC Checkpoint Observing Toolkit

American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California

If you feel you were mistreated you can file a complaint with your local law enforcement agency or contact your local ACLU. If you do submit a complaint be sure to keep a copy.

QUE DEBE SABER

La 4ta enmienda de la Constitucin garantiza a todos el derecho de ser libre de registros y incautaciones irrazonables. Puntos o puestos de control (checkpoints) son incautaciones en el sentido de la 4ta enmienda y tienen que ser razonable para ser validos. En un caso relativo a la constitucionalidad de puntos de control la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos sostuvo que estos puestos eran razonables y cumplan con los requisitos de la 4ta enmienda. Aunque casos han discutido la existencia de puestos de control para licencias y seguros de autos, puestos de control solamente para revisar licencias no han sido explcitamente aprobados por la Corte. Pero, Seccin 12801.5(e) del Cdigo de Vehculos de California dice: un oficial no puede detener o arrestar a una persona solamente porque cree que la persona no tiene licencia Adicionalmente, puestos de control con el propsito de detectar infracciones penales en general, o para investigar cuestiones de inmigracin (lejos de la frontera) son inconstitucionales.

Porque pueden existir vlidamente?

En el caso de Ingersoll v. Palmer, la Corte Suprema de California confirmo la constitucionalidad de los puestos de control e identifico factores para equilibrar los derechos individuales con la seguridad pblica.

Si el chofer aparece intoxicado (tiene problemas hablando, ojos vidriosos, etc.) el oficial le pedira salir del auto para realizar pruebas de sobriedad. Bajo la ley en California, un oficial SI puede pedir que un chofer produzca una licencia vlida, registracin y seguro del auto pero: Oficiales no deben preguntar por su licencia en un puesto de control de sobriedad a menos que tenga motivos razonables para creer que esta bajo la influencia de alcohol

Cmo se escoge el lugar para un puesto de control?

El lugar del puesto de control debe ser planificado y aprobado por un oficial supervisor de antemano y debe ser razonable, es decir, por una calle que tiene una alta tasa de accidentes relacionados a alcohol.

Quin paga para que los puestos se realicen?

La principal fuente de financiacin de los puestos se otorga con la Oficina de Seguridad de Trafico de California. Becas de la oficina a agencias de polica vienen con requisitos especficos relacionados a publicidad de, y recopilacin de datos en, puestos.

Cuales factores hacen un puesto valido?

Los factores del caso Ingersoll para determinar si un puesto es razonable incluye la seleccin del sitio para el puesto como mencionado arriba y tambin: Si el puesto estuvo establecido en una manera obvia, con mucha luz, con espacio para muchos autos etc. Si el sitio ilumina el carcter oficial del puesto con seales de advertencia, la presencia de oficiales en uniforme, etc. Si el tiempo tomado para cuestionar a una persona es razonable dado la circunstancias (un oficial no se debe tardar ms de lo necesario para observar si un chofer esta intoxicado) Hubo publicidad previa del puesto

Puedo evitar a un puesto de control?

Si, si ve o sabe de un puesto, no tiene que entrar a l, sin embargo, si usted viola a una regla de trfico (haciendo una vuelta ilegal, no sealar, etc.) intentando evitar a un puesto, un oficial lo puede parar.

Hay Agentes de inmigracin en puestos de control?

Lo ms cerca que este a la frontera lo ms probable que agentes de inmigracin colaboren con polica local; pero en un puesto de control de agentes del estado o de polica local el propsito primario tiene que ser preservar la seguridad pblica. Sin embargo, agentes de ICE pueden ser notificados cuando un oficial sospecha que un chofer es indocumentado aunque: Choferes (o pasajeros) no estn obligados a responder a preguntas ms all de dar su nombre

Cmo determina un oficial a quien parar en un puesto? Qu es un Puesto de Control de Sobriedad?

Un puesto de control establecido por policas en caminos y en carreteras especificas para detener y retener a gente sospechada de manejar bajo la influencia. Como un reten cerca de la frontera o en lugares similar, un oficial debe utilizar una formula neutral para parar autos y fijarse en la sobriedad de el chofer (cada segundo, cuarto auto, etc.)

QUIERE HACER MAS?

a. Considere la posibilidad de establecer un red de respuesta rpida para que la comunidad sepa cuando hay puestos de control b. Considere un programa de compartir viajes en su cuidad c. Conoce las polticas de su cuidad relacionadas a puestos de control y remolques? Puede entregar una solicitud de informacin sobre documentos pblicos para averiguar.

Para aprender ms sobre sus derechos pnganse en contacto con:

Informacion sobre Checkpoints/Puestos de Control

ACLU del Sur de California Oficina del Condado de Orange 2140 W. Chapman Ave, Ste. 209 Orange, CA 92868 (714) 450-3962

PARA MAS INFORMACION SI:

1. Su auto ha sido remolcado: a. Vea ACLU-SC Conozca Sus Derechos: Remolque de Autos y b. National Lawyers Guild Los ngeles informacin sobre campaa y folleto 2. Piensa que oficiales estn violando la ley: a. Vea ACLU-NC Checkpoint Observing Toolkit

American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California

Si usted siente que fue maltratado puede presentar una queja ante la agencia local de policia o contacte su ACLU local. Si usted presenta una queja, asegrese de guardar una copia

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The law says that the impoundment of a car only because the driver is unlicensed [without considering the community caretaker doctrine explained below] is an unreasonable seizure under the 4th Amendment of the Constitution. Under the community caretaker doctrine, your car should not be towed unless it is parked where it is a risk to public safety, would be inconvenient to other drivers, delays traffic, or might be stolen or vandalized if left alone.

6. You may be given a ticket for driving without a license. a. By signing you are only assuring your presence at traffic court. If you choose not to sign, you can be arrested and detained.
Ask the officer if you can have a licensed driver pick up the vehicle or if you can leave the car parked.

At your hearing, you can discuss mitigating circumstances (need for transportation for work, school, misunderstanding, etc.) to get your car before the end of the 30 day period.
You do not need to be represented by an attorney at your hearing and the hearing will be conducted by an officer not a judge. If you are unsuccessful in your appeal or choose not to appeal make sure you find out about your city and its impound lots policies around fees for unclaimed cars and auctions. If You Dont Or Cant Retrieve Your Car: 1. After 30 days in impound your car may be sold at a public auction so the towing agency can recoup its costs. 2. If the car is sold, the registered owner may still be on the hook for any costs not covered by the sale.

If you do not have a valid drivers license and there is no licensed driver available to pick up or move your car, it will likely be towed unless: It is not a risk to public safety, inconvenient to other drivers, or causes delays in traffic & It would be safe if left parked and alone.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Pulled Over Without A Valid Drivers License?
1. Immediately park in a legal and safe location (watch for red zones, parking restrictions, fire hydrants, etc and avoid these areas). 2. Stay calm and follow the officers directions. If the officer asks for your name you can provide it. 3. The officer may ask you for your license and registration. Provide these materials if you have them. DO NOT attempt to use any false documents. 4. Ask the officer why he stopped you and if you are free to go. 5. You DO NOT have to answer any questions about your immigration status; any information you provide (such as your country of origin or your length of presence in the US) could be used against you.

What To Do If Your Car Is Towed:

1. To get the car back the owner of the car or someone acting on his/her behalf must: a. provide proof of registration for the car and a valid drivers license b. pay the towing and storage fees for the car. 2. If your car is impounded for 30 days, you have the right to a hearing on the impoundment. 3. If you are going to request a hearing, do so as soon as possible, impound fees add up daily. 4. Unless the impounding agency notifies the legal owner of the car within 2 working days by certified mail of the impound, the owner cannot be charged for more than 15 days of storage and towing fees
You can contact the law enforcement agency that ordered the impoundment immediately by phone, letter or in person to request a hearing.

BEFORE YOU GET ON THE ROAD

1. Make sure your registration and insurance is up to date. 2. Make sure your car complies with all vehicle code restrictions a. Avoid hanging items from your rearview mirror, make sure your tail lights are working, etc. 3. Review your citys impound policy and ask your City Council to do the same a. Does the policy allow time for a licensed driver to pick up a vehicle before its impounded? b. Does your police department view a 30 day impound as mandatory or discretionary?

Attention California Peace Officer

If the impound cannot be shown to be based upon a lawful arrest, where the vehicle is evidence in the underlying case, or pursuant to the community caretaking policy, merely citing a state statute which authorizes seizure will not overcome the constitutional prohibition of taking property without a warrant.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS CONTACT:

Car Impoundments Know Your Rights

The Ninth Circuitrecently ruled, inMiranda v. City of Cornelius, that impounding vehicles, when the only charge is driving without a license, was unconstitutional if there is no justification under the community caretaker doctrine. The Court also rejected the argument that impounding the vehicle deterred the driver from repeating this illegal activity in the future. The Court stated that (w)hile the Supreme Court has accepted a deterrence rationale for civil forfeitures of vehicles that were used for criminal activity, the deterrence rationale is incompatible with the principles of the community caretaking doctrine.the purpose of the community caretaking function is to remove vehicles that are presently impeding traffic or creating a hazard.
Martin J. Mayer, Esq. Legal counsel to California Sheriffs (CSSA); California Police Chiefs (CPCA); and California Peace Officers Association.

ACLU of Southern California Orange County Office 2140 W. Chapman Ave., Suite 209 Orange, CA. 92868

American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California

If you feel you were mistreated you can file a complaint with your local law enforcement agency or contact your local ACLU. If you do submit a complaint be sure to keep a copy.

QUE DEBE SABER

La ley dice que el remolque de un vehculo solo porque el chofer no tiene licencia [sin consideracin de la doctrina de community caretaker explicada despus] es una incautacin irrazonable bajo la 4ta enmienda de la Constitucin. Bajo la doctrina de community caretaker, su auto no debe ser remolcado a menos que est estacionado donde es un riesgo para la seguridad pblica, sera inconveniente para otros conductores o causara trfico, o puede ser robado o daado si se deja solo.

6. Usted puede recibir una multa por conducir sin licencia. a. Con su firma solo esta asegurando su presencia frente la corte de trfico, si decide no firmar, puede ser arrestado y detenido.
Pregntele al oficial si puede llamar a un chofer con licencia para recoger al auto o si puede dejar el auto estacionado.

En su audiencia, puede hablar de circunstancias atenuantes para conseguir su auto antes de que terminen los 30 das.
Si no tiene exito en su apelacion o decide no apelar en una audiencia asegurese saber las reglas de su cuidad asociadas con confiscaciones y remates de autos.

Si no puede o no planea reclamar su auto:

Si usted no tiene una licencia vlida y no hay nadie 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 causa retrasos en el trfico y El auto estara seguro aunque estuviera estacionado solo.

1. Despus de 30 das en la incautacin su auto puede ser vendido en un remate pblico para que la agencia de remolque pueda recuperar sus gastos. 2. Si se vende el auto, el propietario legal del auto todava puede tener que pagar los costos no cubiertos por la venta.

QUE DEBE HACER

Parado sin licencia de conducir?
1. Inmediatamente estacinese en un lugar legal y seguro (ojo a zonas rojas, pompas de agua, u otras restricciones, etc. y evite estas reas). 2. Mantenga la calma y siga las instrucciones del oficial. Si el oficial le pide su nombre, se lo puede decir. 3. El oficial puede pedir su licencia y el registro del auto, proporcione estos materiales si los tiene. NO intente utilizar documentacin falsa. 4. Pregntele al oficial porque lo detuvo y si usted es libre para irse. 5. Usted NO TIENE que contestar ninguna pregunta sobre su estatus migratorio, y cualquier informacin que usted proporcione (por ejemplo, su pas de origen o la duracin de su presencia en los EE.UU.) podra ser usado en su contra.

Qu Hacer si su Auto es Remolcado:

1. Para obtener el auto de nuevo usted o alguien con su autoridad tiene que: a. Proveer prueba de registro del auto y una licencia de conducir valida b. Pagar las cuotas del remolque y de la compaa de gra. 2. Si su auto es confiscado por 30 das, usted tiene el derecho a una audiencia sobre el remolque. 3. Si usted va a solicitar a una audiencia hgalo lo ms pronto posible, multas se agregan diariamente. 4. A menos que la agencia de incautacin notifique al propietario legal del auto dentro de 2 das no se le puede cobrar ms de 15 das de almacenamiento.
Puede contactar la agencia que ordeno la incautacin inmediatamente por telfono, carta, o en persona para pedir una audiencia.

ANTES DE SUBIRSE AL AUTO

1. Asegrese que su registro y seguro de auto este valida. 2. Asegrese que su auto cumpla con todas las restricciones del Cdigo de Vehculos. a. Evite colgar objetos de su espejo, asegrese que sus luces estn trabajando, etc. 3. Revise las reglas de su cuidad sobre el remolque de autos y pregntele a su concilio local que haga lo mismo. a. Permite si cuidad dejar tiempo que llegue un chofer con licencia para recoger a su auto antes de remolcarlo? b. Piensa su polica local que la incautacin del auto para 30 das es obligatorio?

Attention California Peace Officer

If the impound cannot be shown to be based upon a lawful arrest, where the vehicle is evidence in the underlying case, or pursuant to the community caretaking policy, merely citing a state statute which authorizes seizure will not overcome the constitutional prohibition of taking property without a warrant.

Para aprender ms sobre sus derechos pnganse en contacto con:

Remolque de Autos Conozca sus Derechos

ACLU del Sur de California Oficina del Condado de Orange 2140 W. Chapman Ave., Suite 209 Orange, CA. 92868

The Ninth Circuitrecently ruled, inMiranda v. City of Cornelius, that impounding vehicles, when the only charge is driving without a license, was unconstitutional if there is no justification under the community caretaker doctrine. The Court also rejected the argument that impounding the vehicle deterred the driver from repeating this illegal activity in the future. The Court stated that (w)hile the Supreme Court has accepted a deterrence rationale for civil forfeitures of vehicles that were used for criminal activity, the deterrence rationale is incompatible with the principles of the community caretaking doctrine.the purpose of the community caretaking function is to remove vehicles that are presently impeding traffic or creating a hazard.
Martin J. Mayer, Esq. Legal counsel to California Sheriffs (CSSA); California Police Chiefs (CPCA); and California Peace Officers Association.

American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California

Si usted siente que fue maltratado puede presentar una queja ante la agencia local de policia o contacte al su ACLU local. Si usted presenta una queja, asegrese de guardar una copia.

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 Populations The 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. Windfall revenues: Statewide, in 2009, $40 million Drivers cannot afford to retrieve their vehicles and the from checkpoints alone. This is a small portion of cost of the impound is more than the value of the vehicle. what private tow companies make from these contracts. This is theft of private property and disproportionately Overtime Costs: Checkpoints are staffed with 20 or affects poor, immigrant drivers and their families, punishing them more severely than for a DUI offense. more officers. Federal guidelines require 6. Officers earn $30 million in overtime from checkpoints alone. California receives $100 million in federal funding each year to conduct DUI checkpoints. Often only 1-3 drunk Families are left on the side of the road, unable to even drivers are caught per checkpoint. Meanwhile, dozens of retrieve their personal items from the vehicle before it poor, immigrant drivers have their vehicles impounded for is impounded. 30 days for driving without a current California license. RESULT: Corruption: The 14602.6 30-day impound is a lucrative revenue source that creates opportunities for corruption. 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 14602.6 What Does the Law in California Require? - Impounding vehicles What is LAPD actually doing? SOLELY on the charge of driving without a license [absent community LAPD construes without ever having caretaker doctrine concerns] is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. (Miranda v. City of been issue a license to mean not in Cornelius (9th Cir. US Ct of App); People v. Williams (CA Ct of App)) possession of a currently valid license to drive in CA. California Vehicle Code (CVC) 14602.6(a)(1) permits mandatory 30day impounding when: As a result, LAPD impounds the o Driving with a suspended or revoked license vehicles of drivers for 30 days: With o Driving without ever having been issued a license current licenses from other states or License: issued in CA or Foreign Jurisdiction (CVC 310) countries; With expired licenses Foreign Jurisdiction: another state or country (CVC 325) from other states or countries; Who do not have drivers license with Therefore, there is no 14602.6 offense if a person is driving: them but had been issued a license o With a current license from another state or country from California, other states or o With an expired license from California, another state or country countries in the past o Without a license but were issued a license in California, another Also, Emergency medical care, state or country at any point in time AND the vehicles should not be impounded for 30-days. Also, if a licensed chronic illness and child-care are driver is present to drive the car, there is no community caretaker concern and NOT mitigating circumstances, the vehicle SHOULD NOT be impounded AT ALL. according to LAPD. Defective Notice Regarding Right to Impound Hearing What Does the State Law Require? - Under CVC 14602.6(b), the o OR the legal owner is a motor registered owner has the right to an impound hearing to dispute: vehicle dealer, bank, or other licensed financial institution if The validity of the impound OR to show mitigating circumstances certain conditions are met for why the vehicle should be returned in less than 30-days What is LAPD Actually Doing? The impounding agency shall release the vehicle prior to 30-days if: LAPD only provides a CHP 180 form, o The vehicle was a stolen vehicle which, in small print, only gives notice o OR When the license was suspended or revoked for an offense of the right to request a hearing, NOT not listed under 14602.6 what the owner can dispute. o OR When the vehicle was seized for an offense for which such seizure is not authorized under 14602.6 (i.e. that the officer In fact, it refers to CVC 22852, which misapplied the vehicle code) only explains procedures for the hearing. o OR when the driver reinstates/acquires a license and insurance RESULT: Prepared by: The Los Angeles Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild

Of 100-200 impounds per month under 14602.6, only 1% request hearings thats only 1 or 2 vehicles per month. Out of that 1%, only 25% successfully retrieve the vehicle in less than 30 days thats less that 1 car per month. What Other Cities and Counties Have Done to Address the Plight of Low-Income Communities San Francisco: Unlicensed drivers have 20 minutes for a Bell Gardens & Huntington Park: Bell Gardens, which licensed and insured person to arrive and remove the modified its policy in September, 2007, and Huntington vehicle. The vehicle will be subject to a 30-day impound Park, which approved the change in October, 2007, allow ONLY if the driver commits a second offense within six unlicensed drivers to reclaim their vehicles immediately months. from the tow yard and do not impose a mandatory 30-day impound. Example of a More Humane Impound Policy: City of Maywood In December, 2005, the City of Maywood City Council passed Resolution No. 5215, making it the policy that: Police officers shall refrain from impounding vehicles of unlicensed drivers, if the vehicle is already securely located in a legal 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 immediately released 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 safe to drive the vehicle OR the owner can arrange for the vehicle to be towed to a place of safety of the owners choice, it should not be impounded. When determining whether to seize the vehicle, the officer must take into account the vehicle occupants wellbeing (i.e. if the person is handicapped, has special needs or medical problems, or whether the stop occurred in an unsafe or secluded area). Impound Hearings: The owner is able to contest: o The propriety of impounding the vehicle under 14602.6 itself o The amount of storage fees based on financial hardship o Any other mitigating circumstances that cause unreasonable hardship or special circumstances The 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 of Coccia, Miranda, and Williams, if an appropriate person possessed a valid drivers 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 vehicle would 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 ONLY impound a vehicle if NECESSARY to ensure that the 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 concerns the desire to provide safe streets and roads within the City limits and to raise revenue 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 are motivated 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, allegations of corruption may arise, as occurred here. Prepared by: The Los Angeles Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild

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

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 the California Court of Appeal, in People v. Williams, found that impounding vehicles on the sole charge of driving without a license [absent consideration of the community caretaker doctrine] is unconstitutional. The City of Los Angeles is taking the cars of immigrants and keeping them for 30 days making it financially impossible to get their cars back. This is theft of private property and immigrant drivers are being punished more severely than drivers who are stopped for a DUI.

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 the California Court of Appeal, in People v. Williams, found that impounding vehicles on the sole charge of driving without a license [absent consideration of the community caretaker doctrine] is unconstitutional. The City of Los Angeles is taking the cars of immigrants and keeping them for 30 days making if financially impossible to get their cars back. This is theft of private property and immigrant drivers 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 allows individuals to park safely without having their vehicle impounded for 30 days. 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 impoundment immediately by phone, letter or in person to request hearing. 2. Unless the impounding agency notifies the legal owner of the vehicle within 2 working days via certified mail, the owner cannot be charged for more 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, it may 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 may be liable for violating your constitutional rights. Seek legal counsel.
For more information, please call: (213) 260-0553

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 allows individuals to park safely without having their vehicle impounded for 30 days. 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 impoundment immediately by phone, letter or in person to request hearing. 2. Unless the impounding agency notifies the legal owner of the vehicle within 2 working days via certified mail, the owner cannot be charged for more 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, it may 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 may be liable for violating your constitutional rights. Seek legal counsel.
For more information, please call: (213) 260-0553

Digale a su Concejal de Municipalidad y al Alcalde Villaraigosa 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, han decidido que el decomiso de vehculos por el solo cargo de manejar sin licencia (en ausencia de la doctrina del guardin comunitario) es inconstitucional. La Ciudad de Los Angeles esta decomisando vehculos de inmigrantes y incautandolos por 30 das, haciendolo financialmente imposible para los inmigrantes que recuperan sus vehculos. Esto es robo de propriedad privada y los conductores inmigrantes estan castigados mas severamente que los conductors bajo la influencia de el acohol.

Digale a su Concejal de Municipalidad y al Alcalde Villaraigosa 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, han decidido que el decomiso de vehculos por el solo cargo de manejar sin licencia (en ausencia de la doctrina del guardin comunitario) es inconstitucional. La Ciudad de Los Angeles esta decomisando vehculos de inmigrantes y incautandolos por 30 das, haciendolo financialmente imposible para los inmigrantes que recuperan sus vehculos. Esto es robo de propriedad privada y los conductores inmigrantes estan castigados 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)9780600]. Diganles que paren de robar los vehculos de los conductores inmigrantes y que sigan la ley, la cual permite que el vehculo sea estacionado seguramente 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 del orden que orden el decomiso para pedir una audiencia. 2. A menos de que la agencia de remolque notifique al propietario legal del vehculo en dos dias hbiles va correo certificado, el propietario no puede recibir 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 institucin financiera, es posible recuperar el vehculo inmediatamente [CVC14602.6(f)]. 4. Usted podra tener el derecho de recurso legal. La cuidad, condado o estado podra ser responsible legalmente por violar sus derechos constitucionales. Busque consejera legal. Para mas informacin, llame a: (213) 260-0553

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)9780600]. Diganles que paren de robar los vehculos de los conductores inmigrantes y que sigan la ley, la cual permite que el vehculo sea estacionado seguramente 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 del orden que orden el decomiso para pedir una audiencia. 2. A menos de que la agencia de remolque notifique al propietario legal del vehculo en dos dias hbiles va correo certificado, el propietario no puede recibir 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 institucin financiera, es posible recuperar el vehculo inmediatamente [CVC14602.6(f)]. 4. Usted podra tener el derecho de recurso legal. La cuidad, condado o estado podra ser responsible legalmente por violar sus derechos constitucionales. Busque consejera legal. Para mas informacin, llame a: (213) 260-0553

California Peace Officers Association

CASE ALERT MEMORANDUM
JANUARy 9, 2007
Prepared by the firm of 3777 North Harbor Boulevard Fullerton, CA 92835 (714) 446-1400 Fax: (714) 446-1448
To: All Police Chiefs & Sheriffs

1455 Response Road, Suite 190, Sacramento, CA 95815 Phone- 916.263.0541 Fax- 916.263.6090 E-mail- cpoa@cpoa.org www.cpoa.org

JONES & MAYER

From: Martin J. Mayer

Latest Impound Case

In November of 2005, the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeal ruled that the authority to impound 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 held that one could impound a vehicle, without a warrant, pursuant to a lawful arrest or if the community caretaker provisions were present. The court stated that impounding a legally parked vehicle was an unreasonable seizure when there was no reasonable justification for removing 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.] On December 13, 2006, the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, issued a similar opinion in the case of People v. Williams, 145 Cal. App. 4th 756, holding that seizure of a vehicle, pursuant to Vehicle Code section 22651(h)(1), may also be unconstitutional, depending on circumstances. Vehicle Code section 22651 authorizes a peace officer to remove a vehicleunder any of the following circumstances: (h)(1) When an officer arrests any person driving or in control of a vehicle for an alleged offense, and the officer is, by this code or other law, required or permitted to take, and does take, the person into custody. Nonetheless, the Williams court held that this statutory authorization does not, in and of itself, determine the constitutional reasonableness of the seizure. In the Williams case, Williams was stopped for driving without a seatbelt and, thereafter, the officer determined that there was an outstanding warrant for the appellant. He placed him under arrest, impounded the car, searched the car and found a loaded gun and Williams was subsequently convicted of carrying a loaded firearm. Prior to trial, appellant moved to suppress the gun as a product of an illegal seizure and search of the car. The officer had

impounded the car pursuant to VC 22651(h)(1) because the driver in control of that vehicle was being arrested. At the time of the impound, the car was legally parked in front of the appellants own home, which the officer knew at the time. The car was a rental, it was not stolen and the appellant was in legal possession of it. The officer acknowledged that the car could have been locked and left right where appellant parked it, but he did not give appellant the opportunity to do so. He immediately decided to impound the car. The appellants challenge to impounding the 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 prosecution always has the burden of justifying the search by proving the search fell within a recognized exception to the warrant requirement. In the instant case, the officer relied upon Vehicle Code section 22651, subdivision (h)(1) as authority for impounding appellants car. While the statute authorizes law enforcement officers to remove a vehicle when they make a custodial arrest 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 a footnote, the court pointed out that the prosecution did not attempt to justify the warrantless search as one incident to appellants arrest. The court refers to City of Cornelius and states that the authority of police officers to impound vehicles also exists pursuant to their community caretaking functions, when vehicles jeopardizepublic safety and the efficient movement of vehicular traffic. Officers have a duty to prevent vehicles from creating a hazard to other drivers or being a target for vandalism or theft. If impounding a vehicle is justified, then a warrantless inventory search of the vehicleis constitutionally reasonable. Finally, said the court, the prosecution simply did not establish that impounding appellants car served any community caretaking function. It therefore failed to establish the constitutional reasonableness of the seizure and subsequent inventory search. The court held that relying on Vehicle Code section 22651 will not justify seizure of all cars. ...(T)he action taken must nonetheless be reasonable in light of the justification for the impound and inventory exception to the search warrant requirements. Reasonableness is the touchstone of 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 vehicle without a warrant. If the impound cannot be shown to be based upon a lawful arrest, where the 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 constitutional prohibition of taking property without a warrant. As always, and especially when dealing with unique areas of the law, it is imperative that you confer with your own agencys legal advisor. Should you wish to discuss this case in greater detail, please feel free to contact me at 714 - 446-1400 or at mjm@jones-mayer.com