At Rucci Law, we understand that the threat of asset forfeiture can be terrifying. Facing accusations that your property – your home, your car, your savings – could be seized by the government is a deeply unsettling experience. Often, these accusations arise in drug-related investigations, money laundering schemes, or other criminal proceedings. It’s crucial to understand your rights and to have a skilled legal team fighting for you.

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, regardless of whether the property owner has been formally charged with a crime. Unlike traditional criminal prosecutions where you’re presumed innocent until proven guilty, asset forfeiture operates under a different standard. The government doesn’t need to prove you committed a crime to seize your property. They typically rely on circumstantial evidence and a connection to the alleged criminal activity.

Types of Asset Forfeiture in California

California utilizes several methods of asset forfeiture, including:

• Criminal Forfeiture: Linked to a specific criminal case.
• Civil Forfeiture: Based on a preponderance of the evidence – a lower standard of proof than in a criminal trial.
• Administrative Forfeiture: Often used in cases involving relatively small amounts of money.

Protecting Your Constitutional Rights

The Right to Due Process: Even in asset forfeiture cases, you are entitled to due process under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. This includes the right to notice, the right to be heard, and the right to challenge the government’s evidence. The Right to Counsel: You have the right to retain an experienced attorney to represent you. At Rucci Law, we aggressively challenge the government’s efforts and protect your constitutional rights every step of the way.

Potential for Government Overreach

We’ve seen too many instances where the government improperly targets individuals and uses asset forfeiture as a tool of overreach. Often, errors are made in the seizure process, and individuals are left without adequate legal representation. Rucci Law is dedicated to holding the government accountable and ensuring fairness in the system.

Let Rucci Law Fight for You

Don’t face asset forfeiture alone. Contact Rucci Law today for a free consultation. We’ll thoroughly investigate your case, explain your rights, and develop a strategic defense plan. Call us at [Phone Number] or email us at [Email Address]. Schedule a Consultation