Asset forfeiture is a powerful tool used by law enforcement to combat crime by seizing property suspected of being used in illegal activity. The government seizes this property with the intention of dismantling and deterring criminal activity. Despite this, property owners who have nothing to do with criminal activity often suffer unjust seizures. Navigating asset forfeiture proceedings can be incredibly complicated for property owners, especially if you have no prior experience with the...
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The 4th Amendment to the United States Constitution protects you from illegal police searches or seizures. If the police violate the rule while collecting evidence, the exclusionary rule prevents them from using the evidence against you. Your defense lawyer should help in ensuring the court suppresses that evidence. An Overview of the Fourth Amendment The 4th Amendment to the United States Constitution outlines the search-and-seizure laws. The laws provide every citizen the right to be...
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Many individuals believe that the government requires a conviction to seize your money or property linked to criminal activity. However, they can seize property without a conviction through civil or administrative forfeiture. Only a criminal forfeiture requires a guilty verdict for a seizure. If federal or state authorities attempt to seize your property or money, the ensuing asset forfeiture process can take various forms, depending on the type of forfeiture. Understanding the three types of...
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United States citizens have essential rights protected by the Constitution and other laws. Among these is the right against unreasonable searches and seizures. Generally, per the 4th Amendment to the United States Constitution, law enforcement and other state or federal government officials require a valid warrant to search or seize your property. However, the same constitutional amendment also provides multiple exceptions whereby property searches and seizures can occur without a search...
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The constitution provides a reasonable expectation of privacy. Police should not violate your privacy unless they believe you have violated a law or are committing an offense. Before performing the search, the police should obtain a search warrant from the judge, which comes with requirements. A valid warrant should include reliable details to establish probable cause to search. Additionally, the warrant should specify where law enforcement wants to search and what they are looking...
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Foreclosure is a difficult reality for many homeowners in California who are facing financial challenges. This is a legal proceeding that can result in a person losing their home if they do not make or fall behind on mortgage payments. There are two foreclosure processes under California law: judicial foreclosure and foreclosure by power of sale. This blog explores foreclosure by power of sale in detail, including how it works and the protections available. You want to consult an experienced...
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Civil asset forfeiture enables police to confiscate cash, vehicles, or property suspected of being linked to criminal activity. This differs from criminal forfeiture, where the owner must typically be convicted or even charged with an offense. Rather, the action is brought against the property itself. The government operates under a lower standard of proof than beyond a reasonable doubt, making it difficult for the person to reclaim property taken away. Although the system is meant to disrupt...
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The U.S. Fourth Amendment is what comes to mind when you think about public protection from law enforcement intrusion. However, if you reside in or have been charged with a crime there, federal law is not the only statute that provides search-and-seizure protections. The protections are also guaranteed under California law. If you have undergone an unreasonable search and seizure, you and your criminal defense attorney can petition the court to exclude the illegally acquired evidence from the...
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Auctions may seem like an exciting way to acquire valuable assets at low prices, particularly vehicles and foreclosure properties. But behind these attractive offers is a world of concealed risks that most consumers do not recognize. Inexperienced and uninformed individuals are often victims of unfair practices such as fake bidding and predatory selling. Most items are sold in their as-is condition. Therefore, customers can experience unpleasant surprises, such as concealed defects or a lack...
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In California, the local, state, and federal governments are empowered to seize your assets if they determine through investigations that they have been linked in any way to criminal activity. Asset forfeiture is divided into two types: criminal and civil forfeiture. This blog explains civil asset forfeiture in detail, both at the federal and state levels. If you suspect wrongful seizure of your property, an attorney can help you navigate your legal options. What Is Civil Asset...
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When the DEA seized a significant amount of money from my house, I didn't know what to do. I didn't think I would get any of it back. Fortunately, a friend of mine referred me to Jacek Lentz. Jacek's knowledge of the forfeiture laws and experience enable him to get the best possible results. He went right to work as he is aware of the very strict time limitations set by the government and got me back all of my money--$160,000! It is vitally important to choose a lawyer who knows the forfeiture laws inside and out and is well-connected. You couldn't do better than attorney Jacek Lentz. He is simply the best there is!
Our son had his money confiscated on a charge that was not true. Jacek was able to help with his criminal case as well as getting his money back that was taken from him without any cause from the police. I very highly recommend him!
From the beginning of my process of trying to recover my funds which were seized by the DEA, Mr. Lentz was very professional and gave me tremendous guidance during a very frustrating time. He did not give me false hope but did what most attorneys don't and gave me the honest facts. He explained the process to me and I understood that his vast experience and relationships gave me a higher likelihood of receiving my funds back. Throughout the process, he would touch base frequently, always be available for my questions and keep me on task with information he needed to do his job. I felt I had someone very strongly going to bat for me. In the end, I got the best case scenario--I received all my funds back which I definitely did not expect. I recommend him to anyone needing these services. You will be taken care of in the utmost professional manner.
Whereas 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.
888-571-5590
1055 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1996A
Los Angeles, CA 90017