Asset Forfeiture Defense: Protecting Your Property Rights in California

At Rucci Law, we understand that the threat of asset forfeiture can be incredibly unsettling. It’s a complex and often frightening process – one that can have devastating financial consequences. This page aims to provide you with clear, concise information about asset forfeiture and how we, as experienced California criminal defense attorneys, can protect your rights.

What is Asset Forfeiture?

Asset forfeiture is a legal process where the government seizes property believed to be connected to criminal activity, even if the owner hasn’t been formally charged with a crime. It’s often associated with drug trafficking, money laundering, or other serious offenses. However, the process isn’t always straightforward, and often, mistakes are made, or the government overreaches. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized the need for strong protections against government intrusion, but the process remains a significant challenge for individuals.

Key Concerns & Our Defense Strategy

Many clients facing asset forfeiture are concerned about:

• Lack of Direct Connection: The government must demonstrate a direct connection between your property and the alleged crime. This can be challenging, especially if you’ve been involved in legitimate business activities.
• Probable Cause Requirements: The government must establish probable cause before seizing your assets. We rigorously investigate whether the evidence meets this standard.
• Due Process Violations: We scrutinize the entire process for potential violations of your constitutional rights, including the Fifth Amendment (right to due process) and the Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection).

At Rucci Law, we aggressively defend your rights through:

• Independent Investigations: We conduct our own investigations to identify weaknesses in the government’s case.
• Motion Practice: We file motions challenging the validity of the seizure, arguing for procedural errors or insufficient evidence.
• Negotiation: We skillfully negotiate with the prosecution to minimize the potential losses.

Understanding the Process – Rucci Law’s Approach

The asset forfeiture process typically involves several stages: administrative seizure, judicial review, and potentially, a trial. We ensure you are fully informed at every stage, explaining your rights and options clearly. We will diligently challenge any attempt by the government to seize assets without proper justification. Our experienced attorneys are committed to preventing government overreach and safeguarding your financial future.

Don’t face this challenge alone. Contact Rucci Law today for a confidential consultation. Let our dedicated team of asset forfeiture specialists fight for you.