Asset forfeiture laws are what give law enforcement the ability to seize property it believes has been used in connection with criminal activity. These laws play a significant, albeit debatable, role in combating crime and disrupting illicit activities, but at the same time raise incredibly important legal and ethical questions. Understanding the ins and outs of asset forfeiture law, variations in procedures and protections across the United States, and the ethical considerations in asset...
Read More
Receiving an asset forfeiture notice of seizure is a bewildering experience, to put it lightly. One of these notices, issued by law enforcement agencies or other governmental entities, marks the beginning of the asset forfeiture process. In it, proceedings that facilitate the seizure of the defendant’s valuable property and assets occur. If you’ve been issued an asset forfeiture notice of seizure, understanding the implications of the asset forfeiture notice you’ve received and what proactive...
Read More
Asset forfeiture, especially when accompanied by a notice of seizure, can be an intensely intimidating and even frightening experience. Not only are you confronted by law enforcement in a way you likely never have prior, but it’s out of the blue. More than this, you face losing property you’ve known as your own – for good. Asset forfeiture allows government agencies and law enforcement to seize assets it merely believes to be involved in criminal activity. It doesn’t necessarily even need to...
Read More
Civil, criminal and administrative asset forfeiture laws allow the government to take the private property of everyday citizens, sometimes with only the most tangential connections to criminal activity. Or none at all. These unjust seizures of property can be challenged, though few Californians are aware of their right to do so, much less how. If this happens to you, and your initial request is denied, then you have a very short window in which to appeal, and you better make sure you get...
Read More
If your property, cash, or car has been seized by the police in Los Angeles, California, civil asset forfeiture defense and appeal attorney Jacek Lentz is a specialist in fighting to get it back. He has a decades-long track record of helping Californias recover property or money unjustly seized by state or federal law enforcement agencies and may even be able to work on a contingency basis for those who cannot otherwise afford such a qualified attorney. But you have to act fast. The...
Read More
In addition to working to further close exploitable loopholes, anyone concerned about their rights and freedoms in the state can demand transparency, accountability, and justice. Unfortunately, for now, the system is rigged against the most vulnerable in our society and remains largely in the hands of federal government agencies and state prosecutors with a perverse incentive to encourage civil asset forfeiture abuse. Until all financial incentives to seize property have been removed, there...
Read More
Over the last 20 years, civil asset forfeiture at the state and federal levels has exploded into a veritable industry for law enforcement agencies across the country, including in California. While some of these seizures may indeed be connected to genuine crimes or be justified in the fight against drugs, there is no doubt that forfeiture procedures, rules, and loopholes are regularly abused to help fund police, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies. Even 20 years ago, academics were...
Read More
If you were detained at an airport and had your luggage searched, it is likely that you are feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. A simple search can often result in currency seizure when the police allege that your money was related to an illegal narcotics transaction or other illegal activities. If this situation sounds familiar, it is important to keep the following in mind: Don’t panic, take a deep breath, and expect a long process. Do not get drawn into long answers or discussions...
Read More
Asset forfeiture is a serious step that can be taken against a client to hinder them from engaging in criminal activities such as fraud. When a client’s property is about to be taken away from them, he or she will need urgent legal representation to stop the process, and the clients will keep the property. As an attorney, you may work outside the office when you attend meeting clients, among other issues. Your clients may be challenged to reach you most of the time, especially during the...
Read More
Driving with cash and/or valuables is apparently a big offense and may get you detained by police even if you have done nothing wrong. A couple and their one year old child were driving through Texas when they saw the dreaded sirens in the rear view mirror. The man who was driving was the owner of a restaurant and he was on his way to buy restaurant equipment from an auction. He had $50K cash. He also had an iPad, cell phones and the car of course. The police took it all after they had a dog...
Read More
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