Secret Compartments in Vehicles: An Overview of Illinois Law 625 ILCS 5/12-612
Secret compartments in vehicles, also known as traps or hides, refer to enclosed spaces that are integrated into a vehicle to conceal contents from plain view. While not inherently illegal, secret compartments become problematic when used to hide illegal contraband like drugs or weapons. This article provides an overview of Illinois law 625 ILCS 5/12-612 regarding secret compartments in vehicles.
Background on Secret Compartments
Secret compartments in vehicles are modifications made to an existing vehicle to create hidden enclosed spaces. They are designed to seamlessly blend into the vehicle to escape detection upon cursory inspection. Compartments may be basic, like removing part of the bumper and adding a hinged lid, or very complex involving electronic triggers to open hydraulically powered doors. Size varies too – some hold only a handgun while others fit hundreds of pounds of contraband.
The sophistication of secret compartments is limited only by the installer’s creativity. Compartments can be installed in almost any part of a vehicle – seats, dashboards, gas tanks, trunks, tires, etc. The goal is to inhibit law enforcement from discovering the contents. Opening triggers can involve activating turn signals, power windows, or other switches in a specific sequence.
Prevalence of Secret Compartments
Secret compartments have become a popular technique for transporting illegal contraband. A common use is concealing drugs for distribution. Compartments prevent detection during traffic stops, allowing drugs to move unimpeded. Firearms, explosives, and even people are also concealed and smuggled using secret compartments.
Given the utility for illegal activity, it’s unsurprising that secret compartments have become more widespread. However, quantifying prevalence is difficult given the hidden nature. Estimates suggest over 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. have secret compartments installed. As techniques and installation services spread, this number likely continues growing.
Secret Compartments Under Illinois Law 625 ILCS 5/12-612
In 2000, Illinois passed laws specifically targeting secret compartments in vehicles – 625 ILCS 5/12-612 False or secret compartment in a vehicle. This law makes it illegal to:
- Own or operate a vehicle known to contain a secret compartment
- Install, create, build, or fabricate a secret compartment in a vehicle
Violating either provision is a Class 4 felony punishable by 1-3 years imprisonment.
The law provides factors suggesting intent to use compartments illegally, including:
- Discovery of contraband (drugs, guns) inside the compartment
- Evidence of prior storage of contraband
- Compartment lacks accessibility, visibility, or operation unrelated to concealment
- False documentation obscures the compartment
- Discovery of evidence related to controlled substances near the compartment
Constitutional Challenges
625 ILCS 5/12-612 faced constitutional challenges claiming violation of the 5th amendment right against self-incrimination. Defendants argued the statute improperly criminalizes ownership, making refusal to admit knowledge of the compartment’s existence de facto evidence of guilt. However, reviewing courts found the law only criminalizes the compartment itself, not exercising the right to remain silent.
Other challenges claimed the law was void for vagueness by not sufficiently defining “secret compartment.” However, the categorical language has been found satisfactorily clear and precise.
Investigating Secret Compartments
Law enforcement uses several techniques to investigate secret compartment cases:
- Confidential informants – Sources or undercover agents solicit installers to sell vehicles with pre-installed compartments or add compartments to existing vehicles. Conversations clearly demonstrate knowledge of intent to transport contraband.
- Controlled buys – Investigators provide cash to have compartments installed with the stated intent to conceal drugs or weapons. Conversations are recorded evidencing illegal intent. Vehicles are examined after installation to document the compartment.
- Traffic stops – Officers trained in compartment detection techniques perform stops of suspected vehicles. Probable cause searches based on visual cues, canine alerts, or driver behavior may reveal false compartments.
- Warranted searches – If a vehicle is seized, investigators can conduct thorough examinations to find expertly hidden compartments. Discovery supports charges for possession and intent to conceal.
Why Secret Compartments Matter
Beyond concealing contraband, secret compartments have serious implications for public safety:
- They facilitate drug trafficking by preventing detection during transport. This furthers the spread of dangerous illegal substances.
- Compartments often contain firearms and explosives, posing threats to officer safety during stops.
- Smuggling people inside compartments can lead to injury or death due to unsafe conditions.
- Professional compartment installers enable wider criminal usage. Even if contraband is not found, their services further illegal activity.
Conclusion
Secret compartments in vehicles allow concealment of illegal contraband and dangerous items during transport. Illinois law 625 ILCS 5/12-612 specifically prohibits owning, operating, or installing secret compartments in vehicles. Law enforcement uses confidential informants, controlled buys, traffic stops, and search warrants to investigate cases. Uncovering secret compartments reduces threats to public and officer safety from undetected contraband. But as installation techniques advance, compartments will likely continue posing detection challenges.