Asset Forfeiture: Protecting Your Property and Rights in California

At Rucci Law, we understand that a civil asset forfeiture case can be utterly devastating. It’s not simply about losing a valuable asset; it’s about a fundamental challenge to your property rights and a potentially burdensome legal battle. We specialize in defending California residents facing these complex and often unfair accusations. This page explains the process and outlines how we fight for your constitutional rights.

What is Civil Asset Forfeiture?

Unlike criminal forfeiture, where the government seizes assets after a conviction, civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement to seize property suspected of being involved in criminal activity, without requiring a criminal conviction. This shift creates significant risks for California citizens. Often, the evidence against you is circumstantial, relying on connections to alleged criminal activity, rather than concrete proof of wrongdoing.

Understanding the Process – And How Rucci Law Protects You

Here’s a breakdown of the typical civil asset forfeiture process:

Administrative Complaint: The government files a complaint alleging your property is connected to criminal activity.
Notice: You are typically notified of the complaint and given an opportunity to respond.
Hearing: A hearing is held where the government must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that your property is subject to forfeiture.
Judgment: If the government wins, a court order for forfeiture is issued.
Appeal: You have the right to appeal the decision to a higher court.

Crucially, the burden of proof rests on the government. However, their resources and experience often far outweigh those of an individual defending themselves. That’s where Rucci Law comes in.

Why You Need an Experienced Asset Forfeiture Attorney

At Rucci Law, we aggressively challenge asset forfeiture cases based on:

Weak Evidence: We scrutinize the government’s evidence for inconsistencies and lack of proof.
Procedural Errors: We identify and challenge any procedural errors made by the government during the forfeiture process.
Constitutional Rights Violations: We fight to protect your Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights – including protection against unreasonable seizure and due process.

We understand the immense financial and emotional toll of an asset forfeiture case. Don’t face this alone. Contact Rucci Law today for a confidential consultation. Let us demonstrate how we can aggressively defend your rights and your property.

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