Asset Forfeiture Lawyer in Los Angeles

What is forfeiture?

If the state or federal government believes that your personal property was obtained through illegal means, such as the sale of drugs, or money laundering, they can take steps to seize that property from you. At Martinian & Associates, we have represented many individuals facing asset forfeiture, and are well-versed in providing legal defense that seeks to help our clients avoid such penalties. Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at our firm if you are facing serious criminal charges, and we may be able to secure a resolution that sees you able to retain possession of your valued assets.

It is a common misconception that only those who have been arrested and charged with a crime are subject to asset forfeiture. The truth of the matter is that even those who have not been arrested or charged can have their property confiscated by state or federal agents, including money, vehicles, or real estate. It only needs to be believed that those assets are tied to illegal activity or profit for them to be eligible for forfeiture. In such cases, the government is required to establish probable cause for attempting to seize a person's assets, while the property owner must prove on a "preponderance of evidence" that the property is not eligible.

Legal Assistance from a Los Angeles Asset Forfeiture Attorney

Time is of the essence in forfeiture cases. If you have received a notice from the government regarding their intent to seize your property, then it is strongly recommended that you act immediately. Failing to do so may result in a default, which allows the government to automatically come in and begin the acquisition process. An attorney can assist you in responding in a timely manner to a forfeiture notice, and may be able to help you avoid asset seizure altogether.

If you have been arrested for a crime, contact a Los Angeles asset forfeiture attorney who can provide you with legal defense in court that may lead to you avoiding penalties such as the forfeiture of your personal assets.