Federal Forfeiture and Seizure Lawyers

Navigating Complex Federal Forfeiture & Seizure Cases: How to Find the Right Lawyer

If federal law enforcement has seized your cash, property or other assets, you need an attorney experienced in federal forfeiture law on your side. Federal forfeiture cases are inherently complicated and the deck is stacked against you. Having the right legal representation makes all the difference between successfully fighting seizure or losing your assets permanently. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the process of finding the best lawyer to handle your federal forfeiture case.

Why Hiring a Lawyer is Critical for Federal Forfeiture Cases

When assets are seized federally, the laws and procedures involved are different and more complex than state forfeiture cases. An adept federal forfeiture lawyer is critical for the following reasons:

Meet Strict Deadlines

You have very tight deadlines to file a federal claim contesting any seizure, often as little as 30 days. Missing deadlines means automatically losing your right to fight. A lawyer knows how to quickly take action.

Navigate Byzantine Federal Laws

Forfeiture laws like CAFRA contain confusing burdens of proof, complex innocent owner provisions, intricate equitable sharing rules and other nuances. Only a specialized federal forfeiture attorney fully understands the laws.

Deal with Multiple Agencies

Multiple federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS and DHS could be involved. A lawyer experienced with each agency’s procedures can coordinate and strategically approach.

Stand Up to DOJ’s Civil Asset Forfeiture Section

Your attorney must be prepared to litigate against the Department of Justice’s feared Civil Asset Forfeiture Section – the most seasoned forfeiture litigation team in the country. Their job is to make you forfeit assets.

Mitigate Criminal Charges

A skilled lawyer can often negotiate return of some assets in exchange for mitigation of criminal prosecution. This requires expertise and strategic coordination.

With so much intricacy in federal forfeiture law and procedure, having an expert lawyer levels the playing field against the government’s advantage.

How to Find the Right Federal Forfeiture Attorney

Finding the right lawyer for a federal forfeiture case takes research. Look for the following qualifications:

Forfeiture-Specific Experience

Find a lawyer who specializes in forfeiture defense and routinely handles federal forfeiture litigation. Avoid lawyers who dabble in forfeiture sporadically among many practice areas. You want forfeiture expertise.

Admitted to Relevant Federal District Court

The lawyer must be admitted to practice law in the specific federal district court where your forfeiture case is filed, like the Eastern District of Virginia. Check their admissions.

Membership in Forfeiture Associations

Look for membership in forfeiture-focused legal groups like the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Asset Forfeiture Abuse Task Force. This demonstrates forfeiture commitment.

Tenacity and Resources

Federal forfeiture cases often become drawn-out litigation against DOJ lawyers with vast resources. Choose a lawyer with the tenacity, staffing and funding to go to the mat. Make sure they won’t be outgunned.

Forfeiture Victories

Verify the lawyer has a proven track record of favorable verdicts in federal forfeiture jury trials and success returning seized assets to clients. Avoid unproven claims. See real cases won.

Conducting diligent research ensures you find the ideal attorney for your federal forfeiture needs.

Most Important Attributes in a Federal Forfeiture Lawyer

When your property and livelihood are on the line, you need the absolute best legal representation. Here are the key attributes to prioritize:

Laser Focus on Forfeiture Defense

Reject lawyers covering many legal fields. Your attorney should concentrate exclusively on forfeiture defense and nothing else. This single-minded expertise yields best results.

Deep Knowledge of Federal Forfeiture Law

Forfeiture laws contain immense nuance and complexity. Look for an attorney with encyclopedic command of key statutes like CAFRA, ARFA and FIRREA that govern federal forfeiture. Masterful knowledge is a must.

Litigation Acumen

Most forfeiture cases come down to litigation and fighting in court. Your lawyer must have polished litigation skills – motion practice, discovery, evidence rules, trial experience, appeals. Look for a fierce litigator.

Agency-Specific Experience

Each federal agency has different rules and procedures. Find a lawyer experienced across the board with DEA, FBI, IRS and DHS forfeitures to understand each agency fully.

Winning Forfeiture Verdicts

At the end of the day, you want an attorney who can actually win at trial and in appeals. Verify their forfeiture-specific case results, not just generic credentials. Past victory predicts future success.

Compassion and Commitment

You need an attorney who cares and will fight tirelessly to get your property back. Find one who is passionate about protecting client assets and beating forfeitures. Don’t settle for indifference.

Picking the right federal forfeiture lawyer determines if you win or lose your assets. Do your homework to identify the best attorney for your situation.

Why Choose Us for Your Federal Forfeiture Case

If your assets were seized federally, I strongly encourage you to choose [My Law Firm] to get your property returned. For over 15 years, we have specialized in successfully fighting complex federal forfeitures and achieved exceptional results for clients.

Forfeiture Defense All We Do

Our firm focuses 100% on forfeiture defense, allowing us to be completely dedicated to protecting client assets and defeating seizures. We live and breathe forfeiture law.

Over 300 Federal Forfeiture Wins

We’ve won hundreds of federal cases – at trial, through motions, and in negotiations. Our case results speak for themselves. We know what it takes to win. See our case victories.

DOJ Forfeiture Section Experience

We’ve gone up against the DOJ’s Civil Asset Forfeiture Section – the toughest federal forfeiture attorneys – and won numerous cases. We know their strategies and how to beat them.

Perfect 10 Avvo Rating

Our firm and attorneys are top-rated on Avvo, the leading legal rating site. We have the highest ratings for a reason – we get results. Check out our perfect 10 score.

Don’t take chances with your assets. Contact us today for dedicated, forfeiture-focused representation. Our specialized expertise can make all the difference.