Asset Forfeiture

Fort Lauderdale Asset Forfeiture Criminal Defense Law Firm

Asset forfeiture is the legal taking of private property by law enforcement. Incredibly, federal and state authorities have the right to confiscate property that they believe was used to commit a crime or was acquired as the proceeds of a crime. Under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, this applies to virtually any felony crime, along with several crimes that are not felonies. As you might imagine, this has become a popular weapon for law enforcement in politically motivated prosecutions, as well as a source of corruption among civil servants. Often, these items (including your home, your car, etc.) have tangential relationships at best with any crime. Worse, law enforcement may seize your belongings even if you are acquitted or never charged with a crime.

You have the right to a hearing on the taking of your property, but it is important to move very quickly, because the deadline to request that hearing can be as short as ten days. An experienced South Florida asset forfeiture lawyer can represent you at that hearing and help you protect your hard-earned assets.

If you or a loved one is at risk of losing property to the government, you should call a Palm Beach felon in possession criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The Miami-Dade asset forfeiture defense law firm of Menachem M. Mayberg , P.A., offers free, confidential consultations to potential clients. To reach us seven days a week and 24 hours a day, contact us through our Web site or call us at (305) 695-8750.

For further reading; see Florida Statue 932.701 Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.