Criminal Asset Forfeiture: Protecting Your Assets and Your Rights

At Rucci Law, we understand that facing a criminal asset forfeiture case can be a terrifying experience. It’s a complex legal battle where the government seeks to seize assets believed to be connected to your crime. This isn’t simply about losing money; it’s about a significant infringement on your constitutional rights and your future financial stability. We’re dedicated to protecting you from government overreach and aggressively defending your rights throughout the entire process.

What is Criminal Asset Forfeiture?

Criminal asset forfeiture is a legal process where the government attempts to seize property believed to be linked to criminal activity, even if you haven’t been formally convicted of a crime. The government typically argues that assets were used to fund or facilitate the crime. However, a criminal conviction is not always required – civil forfeiture proceedings can proceed based solely on suspicion.

Understanding the Process – And Why It’s Different

The asset forfeiture process differs significantly from a criminal case. While a criminal case focuses on proving your guilt, civil asset forfeiture operates under a lower standard of proof – often “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that the asset was connected to criminal activity. This lower standard makes it crucial to have experienced legal representation.

Key Rights You Need to Protect:

• The Right to Notice: You have the right to be formally notified of the forfeiture action against your assets.
• The Right to Due Process: The government must follow established legal procedures, including providing evidence and allowing you an opportunity to challenge their claims.
• The Right to Challenge the Evidence: We will thoroughly examine the government’s evidence, seeking flaws in their investigation, improper procedures, or reliance on circumstantial evidence.
• Protection Against Seizure Before Conviction: While challenging, some states allow contesting forfeiture before a criminal conviction.

Why Rucci Law is Your Strongest Defense

At Rucci Law, we specialize in criminal asset forfeiture defense in California. We bring a strategic, aggressive approach to every case, focusing on:

• Investigating the Government’s Evidence: We’ll uncover weaknesses in the government’s case, identify errors in procedure, and scrutinize the chain of evidence.
• Challenging the Legal Standards of Proof: We’ll argue against the government’s lower standard of proof.
• Negotiating on Your Behalf: We can often negotiate settlements to reduce the assets the government seeks to seize.

Don’t face this challenge alone. Contact Rucci Law today for a confidential consultation. Let us protect your assets and your rights.