Recovering Property Seized in Asset Forfeiture Cases
At the Law Offices of David Elden, we represent persons whose property has been seized under state or federal asset forfeiture laws. Both California and the federal system have statutes that provide for the confiscation of any property shown to have been used in the commission of a criminal offense or that represents the eventual proceeds of criminal activity. From his office in Los Angeles, nationally known defense attorney David Elden serves clients throughout Southern California and across the United States.
CONTACT our office for a Free Consultation: (800) 455-6200
For example, an SUV impounded pursuant to the arrest of the driver for transporting drugs could be forfeited to the government both for its use in drug trafficking and if it appeared that the vehicle was bought with the profits of drug sales. Asset forfeiture cases are separate from the criminal charges brought against a defendant, and the recovery of the property seized must normally be pursued in a separate proceeding. Contact us for a free consultation about your rights to recover your property.
Among the kinds of property most often involved in an asset forfeiture case are the following:
- Cash on the person, in the vehicle, or at the home of the defendant at the time of arrest or execution of a search warrant
- Bank deposits
- Motor vehicles of all kinds
- Real estate
- Boats and aircraft
- Computers, servers, and software
- Jewelry
While acquittal or dismissal of the criminal charges against you will most often result in the return of the property, it is also possible in some cases to recover forfeited property even on a guilty plea or conviction at trial of the charges supporting the forfeiture. The most effective ways to avoid forfeiture are to show that the property seized was acquired from legitimate sources or that another person is the actual owner. Even in cases where the law technically supports the forfeiture, an attorney who is a skilled negotiator can very often achieve a return of part of the property, sometimes in connection with negotiating the resolution of the related criminal charges.
Contact the offices of David Elden in Los Angeles at (877) 678-9102 for a free complimentary consultation.
Named a Southern California Top Lawyer by Los Angeles magazine, David Elden has focused his practice on criminal defense and such related problems as asset forfeiture since 1970. To learn how his experience can benefit you in the recovery of your property, contact his office in Los Angeles at (800) 455-6200 for a free consultation. Mr. Elden serves clients throughout Southern California and across the United States.
