Rhode Island § 31-48-4 - Motor Vehicle Chop Shop, Stolen and Altered Property

§ 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.

(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.