Q: My son is 17, was detained by border patrol in Az. He was not charged or arrested for anything. Car & phone seized.
How can we get his property back? Did they have the right to seize it if he was not charged w/ anything?
A:
It is not uncommon for Border Patrol to catch and release individuals they suspect are involved in criminal activity.
The agents seem to have a great deal of discretionary power in this regard.
It may be in your son’s best interest to speak to a federally licensed attorney as he may be under investigation.
As for the vehicle, the registered owner will receive a letter regarding their property rights in regards to the civil forfeiture. If the vehicle has a lean holder, the lien holder will likely take possession.
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