 In Krimstock v. Kelly ( 2002 ) , Sotomayor wrote an opinion halting New York City 's practice of seizing the motor vehicles of drivers accused of driving while intoxicated and some other crimes and holding those vehicles for " months or even years " during criminal proceedings . Noting the importance of cars to many individuals ' livelihoods or daily activities , she held that it violated individuals ' due process rights to hold the vehicles without permitting the owners to challenge the City 's continued possession of their property . 
