Towing Issues: Was this legal, california department of motor vehicles, economic crimes division

Question
Hi Jason,

I am in San Diego CA.  I work overnight at an apartment complex.  My parking stall # is 113.  I parked in the correct stall but my wheel was over the red line by a few inches, if that. Nobody called to have my car towed, the apartment complex does have a contract with the towing company but I do not know what that includes. My question is, is it legal for a towing comany to go out looking to tow cars like they did to me.

Thanks

Answer
Ben,
The first thing I would do is find out who authorized the tow & why. It may very well not have been legal, as you were parked in your own spot. Next, you should dispute the tow based on anything you find out about the contract between the apartments (owner or property management company) and the tow operator. You should know that the owner of the apartments, or his agent, must be present for the tow and sign the authorization for it to have been a legal tow. You can also file formal complaints with the San Diego City Attorney, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the California Attorney General, and call Eva Casey at the San Diego District Attorney's Economic Crimes Division. Tell her you want her to send you information on filing a complaint against the tow operator. Her telephone number is (619)531-4070. Good luck & let me know if I can be of any further assistance.