Civil asset forfeiture practices allow law enforcement officers to take possession of an asset, usually money, based on the belief that the property was involved in wrongdoing. The law enforcement officers have the mandate to take the property without bringing any criminal proceedings against the person who is in possession of the property. Under civil asset forfeiture, the government doesn’t charge an individual with the crime but charges the asset, commonly known as in rem action. Charging...
Read MoreAsset forfeiture is seen as one of the weightiest abuses of power. In this case, the victims are property owners who are neither charged nor convicted of committing criminal offenses. As long as you are subject to investigation and prosecution in a white-collar crime case, the DEA, FBI, or DOJ can seize your property. This could be personal property like vehicles, planes, bank accounts, boats, etc. When the federal government takes over your property’s control, they strip you of the title of...
Read MoreLosing your property in a property forfeiture operation can be detrimental to your life because you risk losing your home or other highly valuable possessions. Moreover, your loved ones will be exposed to the severe consequences of forfeiture like becoming homeless or facing significant financial constraints. You could also receive a prison sentence that prevents you from protecting your loved ones and your property from forfeiture. Therefore, learning about the possible reasons for property...
Read MoreAll states in the U.S allow the federal government law enforcement officers to seize, forfeit and sell any property or material alleged to be associated with illegal activity, for example, cash, real estate, and cars. The purpose of forfeiture laws is to disrupt or cripple criminal activities by diverting their resources. However, most law enforcement officers misuse asset forfeiture laws to benefit themselves by taking properties from innocent citizens they know have no sufficient resources...
Read MoreImagine you are busy watching TV, and there's a knock on your door only to find a process server on your porch, and he inexplicably says that the boat parked in your driveway is being towed! That sounds ridiculous, right? Well, this is not strange since it is an all-too-common process referred to as forfeiture, in which the government tries to seize your property when it reasonably believes that it is connected to criminal activity. It will only help if you seek the help of a professional...
Read MoreWhen a person takes your assets, you contact the police. However, who do you contact when law enforcers take your assets? Well, this is a common phenomenon under civil asset forfeiture. Often, persons whose property has been seized do not know how to acquire their assets back or fear they could be convicted of an offense for attempting. If your assets have been seized, our knowledgeable attorneys at Asset Forfeiture Attorney can help. For many years, we have represented thousands of clients in...
Read MoreWhen you have to deal with asset forfeiture, you may encounter several challenges, especially when you have not received prior notice of the action. The forfeiture procedures may also happen quickly, leaving you little room to negotiate or determine why the seizure and forfeiture of your property. While the government uses asset forfeitures as a strategy for upholding the law and limiting a wrongdoer's liberty in retaining property, you have a right to challenge the process on valid grounds....
Read MoreAsset forfeiture is the government seizure of an individual’s assets on suspicion that the assets are tainted by a connection to or are proceeds of criminal activity. Many people in California State & Nationwide lose rights to their property by wrongfully assuming that they have to face charges before forfeiture. However, this is untrue because the government can forfeit your property through civil or administrative forfeiture, which doesn’t require a conviction or filing criminal charges....
Read MoreBoth federal and state governments rely on asset forfeiture to curb criminal activity, particularly white-collar crimes, organized crime, and drug crimes. The assets recovered are often used to develop law enforcement facilities or to pay restitution to victims of crimes. Federal and state forfeiture have critical differences in the procedures and approaches to seizure and ultimate forfeiture. In this article, the Asset Forfeiture Attorney will examine both federal and state asset forfeiture...
Read MoreAsset forfeiture is a ruthless legal process that can deprive you of your property and your financial means to defend your case. That's why you should be prepared for an asset forfeiture to avoid losing your property indefinitely. You cannot adequately prepare for an asset forfeiture unless you have an asset forfeiture attorney by your side. At Asset Forfeiture Attorney, we are ready to use our experience to fight for your property's possible seizure and restore your property rights. How to...
Read MoreWhereas government agencies will make it appear like they have every right to seize your property since you, your household member, or your loved one is accused of an offense, don’t listen. Whether the connection between the criminal activity and the property in question is strong enough is for the court to decide. Contact Asset Forfeiture Attorney law firm today at 888-571-5590 to schedule a complimentary consultation and case evaluation. We serve clients throughout California and nationwide facing asset forfeiture.