Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Seizures for Forfeiture
If a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP0 discovers a large amount of U.S. Currency during a routine traffic stop, the trooper might seize the cash for forfeiture if probable cause exists to believe the money is involved in drug trafficking or money laundering.
The seizure of cash by the trooper with the OSHP might take place after an arrest. In some limited circumstances, the seizure of cash might take place even if no one is ever arrested for any offense related to the incident. In some cases, troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol might seize a vehicle or other types of valuable property for forfeiture.
Troopers with OSHP receive special training on how to target travelers that might be involved in bulk cash smuggling. In these cases, the cash is suspected of being involved in drug trafficking or money laundering.
OSHP divides the duties of road troopers between traffic enforcement and criminal patrol, with emphasis placed on the apprehension of criminals using the state’s highways, drug interdiction in particular.
Either way, an attorney can help protect you from any criminal prosecution and file a verified claim on your behalf to challenge the seizure and forfeiture in court.
Attorney for Forfeitures by Ohio Highway Patrol
If your money, vehicle, or other property was seized by a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, then contact an experienced attorney at Joslyn Law Firm. We represent clients throughout the greater Columbus area.
We are particularly familiar with ways to challenged the legality of seizures for both criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings. Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol must follow strict guidelines when conducting stops, detaining motorists, and seizing property for forfeiture.
If you were arrested for a felony or misdemeanor offense, or if your money or vehicle was seized, we can help protect your rights during each stage of the case.
Call (614) 444-1900.
About the Ohio State Highway Patrol
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (“OSHP”) is the primary state law enforcement agency of Ohio. OSHP is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The mission of the Patrol is to reduce deaths, injuries, and crashes on the roadways of Ohio.
The OSHP has more than 1,400 sworn officers plus an additional 1,000 support personnel. The OSHP also manages an all-volunteer auxiliary force.
The Patrol General Headquarters and the Patrol Academy are both located in Columbus, Ohio. The state is divided into 10 districts that contain 55 posts. The 10 districts are each commanded by a captain. The 55 posts are each commanded by a lieutenant.
As explained in ORC 5503.02, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has jurisdiction on all public roadways within Ohio, as well as all state property.
OSHP conducts OVI checkpoints to deter impaired driving. OSHP’s OVI checkpoints are typically conducted at night and on weekends when the number of drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol tends to be highest.
When OSHP arrests a suspect for OVI as a third, fourth, or subsequent offense, the trooper might seize the suspect’s vehicle for forfeiture. If the vehicle’s owner knowingly allows someone whose license is suspended to operate their vehicle, then their vehicle might be subject to forfeiture.
Under OSHP’s criminal patrol program, forfeiture cases with cash seizures or real property valued at $5,000 or more that are tied to criminal activity also qualify for a criminal patrol point.
The OHSP’s tactical unit uses state-of-the-art equipment which has been primarily purchased with funds from drug asset forfeitures.
This article was last updated on Friday, April 9, 2021.
