
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, vehicle impoundment is a serious issue that affects hundreds of drivers every year, particularly those accused of offenses like street racing, driving while intoxicated (DWI), and driving on a suspended license. What makes this even more challenging is the city’s use of civil forfeiture laws, legal tools that allow authorities to seize vehicles even when the owner has not been convicted of a crime.
Albuquerque has some of the most aggressive vehicle seizure policies in the country. The city has historically relied on civil forfeiture to combat what it deems “nuisance crimes.” Under these laws, the city can seize a car involved in an alleged crime such as a DWI or street racing and begin forfeiture proceedings before a conviction occurs. This means that your car can be permanently taken by the city even if you are found not guilty in criminal court. Once a vehicle is impounded in Albuquerque, the city typically holds it in a secured impound lot. Owners are then required to navigate a complicated release process that involves paperwork, hearings, and hefty fees. If the vehicle is connected to an offense like DWI or a suspended license, it may also be subject to forfeiture, where the city attempts to take ownership of the vehicle permanently. If the owner does not respond or act quickly, the forfeiture process may move forward without their input.
OUTPOUND will be an essential resource! We have a streamlined service that helps drivers find the information and support they need to recover their impounded vehicles. For people in Albuquerque, where the laws are particularly complex and we offer clear, actionable guidance tailored to the city’s unique impound and forfeiture procedures. Whether your car was taken after a street racing stop or you’re dealing with the fallout from a DWI arrest, we provide a centralized platform to help you understand your rights and take the next steps. Guiding users through the local laws, deadlines, and requirements necessary to challenge a seizure or request the release of a vehicle. OUTPOUND’s tools are especially helpful for first-time offenders who may not realize how quickly the system can move against them, or what’s at stake if they don’t act.
OUTPOUND is designed for people who may not have a lawyer, don’t know where to start, or are overwhelmed by the bureaucracy involved in recovering an impounded car. By focusing specifically on local procedures in cities like Albuquerque, we help people avoid unnecessary delays and fees. If your vehicle has been impounded in Albuquerque due to street racing, a DWI, or driving with a suspended license, you don’t have to go through the process alone.
We give you the tools to respond quickly, understand your rights under Albuquerque’s strict civil forfeiture laws, and fight to get your vehicle back before it's too late.