Asset Forfeiture Defense in California: Protecting Your Property Rights

At Rucci Law, we understand that the prospect of your assets being seized by the government – through asset forfeiture – is deeply unsettling. It’s a frightening experience, and you deserve expert legal representation to protect your rights. This page provides a clear explanation of the legal process and how we, at Rucci Law, aggressively defend our clients against unwarranted asset forfeiture accusations in California.

What is Asset Forfeiture?

Asset forfeiture is a legal process where the government seeks to take control of property believed to be connected to criminal activity. It’s not a criminal conviction; it’s a separate legal action. The government typically relies on two main types of forfeiture:

• Title Forfeiture: This occurs when the government demonstrates that they are the rightful owner of the property.
• Equitable Forfeiture: This is more common and allows the government to seize assets that were used to facilitate a crime or are being held for the benefit of a criminal.

Your Constitutional Rights in an Asset Forfeiture Case

The government must demonstrate a significant connection between your property and criminal activity. It’s crucial to understand that simply possessing property that the government *suspects* is linked to a crime is not enough. We aggressively challenge the government’s case at every stage, focusing on:

• Probable Cause: The government must show a reasonable basis for their suspicion.
• Due Process: You have the right to a fair hearing and to confront the evidence against you.
• Fourth Amendment Protection: We scrutinize the legality of any searches or seizures to ensure they were conducted lawfully.

Potential Government Overreach & Our Role

Historically, asset forfeiture has been subject to abuse. The government sometimes seeks to seize assets without sufficient evidence or to apply forfeiture laws broadly. At Rucci Law, we are vigilant against this overreach, ensuring your rights are not violated. We conduct thorough investigations, analyze evidence, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. We’ll investigate the government’s procedures, challenge their evidence, and negotiate on your behalf to minimize the potential loss of your assets.

Next Steps – Contact Rucci Law

Don’t face this challenging legal battle alone. If you’ve been notified that your assets are under investigation for forfeiture, contact Rucci Law immediately. Our experienced California criminal defense attorneys can provide you with a confidential consultation and develop a strategic defense. Call us at [Phone Number] or email us at [Email Address] to schedule a consultation.