Vehicle Forfeiture: Protecting Your Assets and Constitutional Rights

At Rucci Law, we understand that the prospect of having your vehicle – and potentially your assets – seized by the government can be terrifying. It’s a confusing process, often driven by complex legal procedures and the potential for government overreach. We’re dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting to ensure you aren’t unjustly penalized. This page explains vehicle forfeiture in California and how Rucci Law provides aggressive defense.

What is Vehicle Forfeiture?

Vehicle forfeiture isn’t always a straightforward case of the police proving you committed a crime. California, like many states, utilizes civil asset forfeiture, which means the government can seize property believed to be connected to criminal activity, even if you haven’t been formally charged with a crime. This often involves alleging the vehicle was used in the commission of a drug crime, money laundering, or other offenses.

The Process: Understanding Your Rights

The forfeiture process typically involves these steps:

• Administrative Complaint: The government files a complaint alleging the vehicle’s connection to illegal activity.
• Notice: You’ll receive a notice of the complaint, but it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek legal counsel immediately.
• Hearing: You have the right to a hearing, though it’s often a civil proceeding, not a criminal trial. The government must present evidence connecting your vehicle to the alleged crime.
• Judgement: If the government proves a connection, a judge can order the forfeiture of your vehicle.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

The government has significant resources and legal expertise. Without a skilled attorney, you are at a distinct disadvantage. Rucci Law specializes in challenging forfeiture actions, focusing on:

• Lack of Evidence: We scrutinize the government’s evidence, arguing it’s insufficient to establish a direct link between your vehicle and criminal activity.
• Due Process Violations: We fight any procedural errors that may have compromised your rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.
• Overreaching Government Actions: We aggressively oppose forfeiture actions that appear to be motivated by revenue generation rather than legitimate criminal investigations.

Don’t face this battle alone. Rucci Law is committed to providing you with aggressive, knowledgeable representation. Contact us today for a consultation.