Legal Services

	"We had to tow away an abandoned vehicle parked on the street in front of a local business’s sign. In the process the sign was damaged. Can we use proceeds from the sale of this vehicle to reimburse the business owner?"

Can the sheriff’s office use proceeds from an abandoned motor vehicle auction to reimburse other property owners for damage to their property?

Law enforcement, including a sheriff or constable, is entitled to reimbursement from the proceeds of the sale of an abandoned motor vehicle for the cost of the auction, towing, preservation and storage fees, and notice publication. If compensation is made by law enforcement to a property owner for damages because of a pursuit involving the abandoned motor vehicle, the law enforcement agency is entitled to reimbursement from the auction proceeds. For more information, see our publication Special and Dedicated Funds.