Law enforcement can forfeit assets of an individual for various reasons, including both criminal and civil. They can also administratively forfeit assets if property is not claimed or has been abandoned.
If you have received notice of legal forfeiture, it is imperative that you promptly seek legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney, such as Adam Stout with Stout Defense, P.A.
What Is Asset Forfeiture?
A forfeiture case is separate from the criminal case being investigated and occurs when the state attempts to claim ownership of seized property from the criminal investigation.
What Are The Types Of Forfeiture?
Forfeiture cases fall into three main categories: criminal, civil and administrative.
Criminal Forfeiture
The state will seize the assets they believe were involved in the criminal activity of the individual who is being charged with a crime.
Civil Forfeiture
It is not the individual who owns the property, but the property itself that has allegedly violated the law and acts as the defendant.
Administrative Forfeiture
Assets that are seized by the state are those that either no person has claimed or have been abandoned.
What To Do When Facing Forfeiture?
If the state has seized your property and not yet returned it, it is imperative that you seek a criminal defense attorney who has experience in the rules and procedures involved in these types of cases. The timeliness of your consultation with an attorney is especially important in these cases as there are deadlines for compliance, which vary depending on which type of forfeiture the case falls under. Adam Stout with Stout Defense, P.A. bring both his experience as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney to help defend your rights and work to reclaim the assets that have been seized.