Vehicle Forfeiture Lawyer Minneapolis

Fighting to Recover Your Seized Vehicle After a DWI or Criminal Charge

A DWI arrest in Minnesota can come with more than fines, license suspension, or jail time — it can also lead to vehicle forfeiture. This means law enforcement seizes your car, and if you don’t successfully challenge the action, it can be sold at auction.

If your vehicle has been seized following a DWI or other alleged criminal offense, an experienced Minneapolis Vehicle Forfeiture Lawyer can help you fight for its return. Barry Hogen has over 34 years of criminal defense experience and a track record of successfully recovering forfeited vehicles for his clients.

When Vehicle Forfeiture Can Occur

In Minnesota, law enforcement may seize and forfeit a vehicle in situations such as:

• Use of the vehicle in a DWI offense

• Driver failing to appear in court for a criminal or traffic case

• Driving with a canceled driver’s license as inimical to public safety

• Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .20 or above during a stop

If any of these circumstances apply, it’s critical to act fast — you only have a limited time to challenge the forfeiture.

Why Acting Quickly Is Important

You must submit a legal request to contest a forfeiture within strict deadlines. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to fight the seizure. Once the window closes, your vehicle can be permanently lost and sold by the state.

How Barry Hogen Can Help

Vehicle forfeiture cases are civil matters, separate from your criminal case. The burden of proof for the state is lower than in criminal court, which means you need a lawyer who knows how to aggressively challenge the evidence. Barry can:

• Investigate whether the seizure was lawful

• File timely court challenges to preserve your rights

• Present evidence of your need for the vehicle (work, school, family care)

• Negotiate for the return of your vehicle or a reduced penalty

While not every forfeiture case results in the vehicle’s return, Barry has successfully recovered vehicles for Minnesota clients who thought their situation was hopeless.

Protect Your Rights and Your Property

Losing your vehicle can create serious hardship — impacting your ability to work, care for your family, and maintain daily responsibilities. Don’t give up your property without a fight.

📞 Call (612) 338-5545 or contact us for a free, confidential consultation.