Civil Asset Forfeiture Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale, Florida may not seem like a place that is immediately attached to white-collar criminal activity, but there are instances where property and assets can be seized through civil asset forfeiture. This legal process can be complicated, and not everyone knows how to navigate it, which is where the skilled team at Piotrowski Law comes in.

If you are facing civil asset forfeiture in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the best thing you can do is consult with an experienced civil asset forfeiture lawyer. At Piotrowski Law, we have a team of knowledgeable attorneys who are ready to fight for your rights and help you keep your property. We believe in the attorney-client relationship and can help you get the results you deserve. Contact Piotrowski Law today at 954-947-5000 to set up your free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.

What Is Civil Asset Forfeiture?

Civil asset forfeiture is a legal process whereby the government seizes assets that they believe are associated with criminal activity. The government does not need to prove that you committed a crime, only that they believe the assets were involved in some way with criminal activity. This can become complex because the government can overstep its boundaries and cost you your hard-earned assets.

This can be a difficult legal process to navigate, but our team at Piotrowski Law is ready to help. We have the experience and knowledge to help you keep your assets and property safe. We understand the law and can help you fight for your rights.

To best protect your rights, trust Piotrowski Law to represent you from beginning to end.

What are Examples of Civil Asset Forfeiture?

Asset forfeiture is a legal process through which the government seizes property that it alleges is connected to criminal activity. The government can seize any asset that they believe is associated with criminal activity. This can include but is not limited to:

• Homes: The government can seize a home if they believe it was purchased with the proceeds of criminal activity.
• Vehicles: The government can seize a vehicle if they believe it was used to transport illegal goods or was used in the commission of a crime.
• Cash: The government can seize cash if they believe it is connected to criminal activity.
• Property: The government can seize any property that they believe is linked to criminal activity.

When the government seizes an asset, they file a civil forfeiture action against the property. This is a legal action separate from any criminal proceedings that may be taking place against the property owner. In order for the government to win its forfeiture case, it must prove that the property is connected to criminal activity.

The burden of proof in a civil forfeiture case is lower than in a criminal case. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil forfeiture case, the government only has to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the property is connected to criminal activity. This means that they only have to show that it is more likely than not that the property is connected to criminal activity.

This is why it is important to hire a civil asset forfeiture lawyer if the government moves to seize your property. A civil asset forfeiture lawyer will be able to argue your case and make sure that the government meets its burden of proof.

What are Common Defenses for a Civil Asset Forfeiture Case? 

When you are charged with a crime, your assets may be subject to civil asset forfeiture. This means that the government can seize your property without convicting you of a crime. In order to get your belongings back, you will need to mount a strong defense. Here are some common defenses for a civil asset forfeiture case:

The Property Was Not Involved in Criminal Activity

One of the most common defenses is that the property was not involved in criminal activity. This means that you can prove that your assets were not used to buy drugs, launder money, or commit any other type of crime. If you can show that your property was not involved in criminal activity, then it is more likely that you will be able to keep it.

The Government Does Not Have Enough Evidence

Another common defense is that the government does not have enough evidence to prove that your property was involved in a crime. This means that you can challenge the government’s case and try to get the charges against you dropped.

You Did Not Know That Your Property Was Being Used in a Criminal Activity

You may also be able to argue that you did not know that your property was being used in criminal activity. This defense is often used when the property is owned by someone else. For example, if you are accused of owning a car that was used to transport drugs, you can argue that you did not know about drug trafficking.

What Can a Civil Asset Forfeiture Attorney Do For Me?

If you are facing civil asset forfeiture, it is important to hire an experienced attorney. A civil asset forfeiture attorney can help you by:

• Investigating your case
• Collecting evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Filing motions
• Representing you in court

A criminal defense attorney can also help you negotiate with the prosecutor and try to get your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact Piotrowski Law today at 954-947-5000 to set up your free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys that understand forfeiture laws. We can work to protect you from federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement, and ensure they do not seize property that belongs to you.