Illegal seizure of property or not?

[Scooterintxs313]

I was pulled over by the cops because a man thought I stole the catalytic converter off his vehicle. It was determined I didn't have his converter, but I had 4 in my vehicle along with 10 fishing poles. I was taken to jail on an old child support warrant. They seized the 4 converters I had and fishing poles, and won't give them back. Can they do that?

 

[army judge]

It seems they've done it.
You have two possible remedies.
Write a letter to the chief asking him to voluntarily return your property.
That might not be smart, unless you know 100%, that the items were not stolen.
The second possibility, bring a court action requesting a judge to issue an order requiring the police to release your property.
A third possibility occurred to me.
The police are probably investigating those items.
If any of them are reported STOLEN, you've got bigger problems.

 

[CdwJava]

The theft of catalytic converters is big business these days. They can be sold for recycling for up to $150 and are relatively easy to steal. It is unlikely that you will be able to rationally explain why you had four CCs in your vehicle, but the fortunate thing for you is that you do not have to explain it - the state will have to show that they are stolen. And, since it is unlikely they can prove definitively that the ones in your possession were indeed stolen, that will be a tough thing for the state to show. Though you may have a tough time proving they are yours and getting them back from the agency that seized them.