Rucci Law – Safeguarding Your Investments: Navigating California’s Investment Asset Seizure Laws

Facing accusations of investment asset seizure can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. At Rucci Law, we understand. We’ve built our practice on a foundation of protecting individual rights and aggressively defending our clients against overzealous government actions. This page provides a clear explanation of investment asset seizure, specifically within the context of California law, and outlines our firm’s approach to defending your financial well-being.

What is Investment Asset Seizure?

Investment asset seizure, often referred to as civil asset forfeiture, is a legal process where law enforcement officials, typically through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), can seize property believed to be connected to criminal activity – even if the owner hasn’t been formally charged with a crime. This isn’t about guilt; it’s about the presumption of wrongdoing. The government typically initiates a civil action, arguing the assets were derived from or used in connection with a drug trafficking operation, money laundering, or other illicit activities.

How Does it Work in California?

In California, the seizure process often begins with a petition filed with a local court. The government must demonstrate a “probable cause” connection between your assets and criminal activity. This doesn’t require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard required in criminal cases. Crucially, the government must demonstrate that the assets are “proceeds” of unlawful activity or were used to facilitate that activity.

Your Constitutional Rights & Our Defense

At Rucci Law, we prioritize protecting your constitutional rights, particularly the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. We will challenge:

• The government’s evidence – often based on circumstantial evidence.
• The adequacy of the government’s showing of connection.
• The validity of the seizure process itself.

We recognize that government agencies sometimes engage in what feels like overreach. We are prepared to aggressively fight for your rights and demonstrate that the government has not met its burden of proof.

Don’t Delay – Protect Your Future

If you’ve been notified that your assets are under investigation for seizure, or if your assets have already been seized, contact Rucci Law immediately. Early intervention is critical. We can help you understand your rights, develop a strong defense strategy, and protect your financial future.

Rucci Law – Dedicated to Justice. Experienced in Asset Forfeiture.

Additional Reading:
The County Seat Civil Asset Forfeiture | Administrative Forfeiture Defense Strategies | Supreme Court Rules that Excessive Fines Clause Applies to States and Constrains Civil Asset Forfeiture | Civil Asset Forfeiture is Worse Than We Thought (Steve Lehto) | After FBI seizure of safe deposit boxes in Beverly Hills, legal challenges mount | Civil Asset Forfeiture – An Update on Recent Events in Wyoming | Arizona Adopts Landmark Civil Forfeiture Reform Legislation | How Civil Forfeiture Can Enable Public Officials’ Misuse of Funds | Oregon Seizes $121,000 of Deceased Veteran’s Benefits | Armored Truck ROBBED By The POLICE In 2021? Civil Asset Forfeiture | Proposed Changes to Civil Asset Forfeiture Law | Civil Asset Forfeiture is Worse Than We Thought (Steve Lehto) | How Law Enforcement Decides What Assets to Seize | Understanding Civil Asset Forfeiture in California | Senators urge Biden to enable agency to seize tankers of Iran oil | Police Stole My Life Savings! Civil Asset Forfeiture | What to Do If Your Bank Account Is Frozen by the DEA | How Asset Forfeiture Laws Affect Property Owners | Motion to Suppress in CAFRA Forfeiture Cases | How Law Enforcement Can Take Your Stuff | Why Biden Should Tackle Civil Asset Forfeiture and Legalized Theft from Americans | Over $455,000 Seized from Medical Marijuana Patient Slapped with Civil Asset Forfeiture | An Illustrated Guide to Civil Asset Forfeiture | Middle District Of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $168 Million In Civil And Criminal Actions In Fiscal Year 2022