Arrest-Proof Yourself (58 page)

You leave your vehicle unlocked at work so people can get tools.

You actually
lent
your car to someone, despite sage advice to the contrary.

Your car was stolen and returned to you by police.

Car searches are simple. The situation we’re confronting is not sophisticated concealment by professional smugglers, who secrete contraband behind upholstery and door panels, in the gas tank in fuel-proof containers, and in specially welded compartments under wheel wells and inside bodywork. What we’re concerned with here is the hastily hidden stuff that gets most people busted for possession of drugs, guns, or stolen property.

In most states, cops can seize vehicles in which drugs, guns, or stolen property are found. You will have to go to a forfeiture hearing to get your ride back. The attorney’s fees often are more than what the vehicle is worth. Cops generally cannot seize a vehicle that was financed because the lender, not the driver, holds the title. Of course, if your car is seized, your lender will not be pleased. Many will insist that the loan be paid
in full
before they will release the car to you. Unless you have a cash stash, this means your wheels are gonzo.

Drugs are, by far, the most likely items to be secreted in your car without your knowledge. Basically it goes down like this. Passengers or drivers carry some dope aboard. They see a police cruiser behind them, running the tag number or just putting on the pressure in hopes of flushing a rabbit. They panic and stuff dope under a seat. People also carry dope or guns in your car, then forget to take them out because they’re stoned out of their gourds. As for the kids, they’re forever scattering their chemical straitjackets on the backseat cushions.

The basic places to search are

the ashtray, console and door storage areas, and glove compartment

overhead storage in windshield visor pockets

under all seats

the trunk (don
^’
t forget to check around the spare wheel)

the tire tool area

behind all seats that fold down and, in pickup trucks, the area behind seats

in SUVs, the storage lockers in the back or on top of the vehicle

between seat cushions

inside the air filter holder in the engine