Federal Asset Forfeiture Lawyer in El Paso

If you are accused of a crime, you may also face the threat of asset forfeiture. In this situation, law enforcement can seize your property if they suspect it is connected to illegal activities. The loss of your assets can create severe financial and personal challenges. If you need to challenge a forfeiture or reclaim your property, it's crucial to have professional legal assistance on your side.

In El Paso, Texas, having a lawyer who knows federal and state forfeiture laws is vital. Our knowledgeable attorneys at The Law Office of Romero & Warrick can challenge the reasons behind the forfeiture by questioning the legality of the seizure, the ownership of the property, or the link between the property and alleged criminal activity. We invite you to contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your property.

Asset forfeiture, also known as asset seizure, is when the government takes away someone's property because they think it's connected to a crime. This can happen through a civil asset forfeiture lawsuit, where the government targets the assets themselves, not just the person. Even a small connection between your property and any criminal activity can lead to forfeiture.

The government can seize your property without proving you committed a crime or even charging you with one. Simply suspecting that your assets are connected to criminal activity can be enough for them to act.

Once the government seizes property, it typically has 30 days to notify the owner and start the formal process of keeping the assets. This includes property that was used in the following ways:

• Any property that was used to commit a crime
• Anything bought with money made from a crime
• Anything gained as a result of criminal activity. 

Both federal and Texas state laws give the authorities significant power, allowing them to seize assets they suspect are linked to crimes. This power imbalance can make it incredibly challenging for property owners to reclaim their assets. In such circumstances, professional legal assistance becomes not just important but necessary.

The government has the authority to seize a wide range of properties that are believed to be connected to criminal activities. This includes both tangible and intangible assets. Here's a more detailed look at the types of property commonly targeted in these seizures:

• Houses: Real estate, including personal residences and other property holdings, can be seized if purchased with proceeds from criminal activity or used to facilitate crimes. Apart from personal residences, other types of real estate, like rental properties or commercial buildings, can also be seized.
• Money: Money found during investigations, especially in drug-related cases, is frequently seized as it is often directly linked to criminal enterprises.
• Bank Accounts: Funds in bank accounts may be frozen and seized if they are suspected to contain proceeds from illegal activities.
• Jewelry: High-value items such as jewelry are common targets for forfeiture if they were purchased with illegal funds or used in the trade of unlawful activities.
• Motor Vehicles: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even boats can be confiscated if used in the commission of crimes or bought with criminal proceeds.
• Guns: Firearms are often seized in the course of criminal investigations, particularly if they are used in the commission of crimes or acquired illegally.
• Electronics: High-end electronics like cameras, sound systems, and televisions can be targets if bought with illicit money or used in criminal activities.
• Computers: Given their role in many modern crimes, such as fraud or cybercrime, computers are frequently seized during asset forfeiture.
• Cell Phones: Cell phones are commonly confiscated as essential tools for communication and coordination in many criminal operations.

When you receive a forfeiture notice, you must take immediate action by contacting a criminal defense attorney. If you don't respond to this notice, you could permanently lose your property without any further chance to argue your case in court. At the Law Office of Romero & Warrick, our team has extensive experience handling many forfeiture cases. Our professional attorneys are well-versed in responding to forfeiture notices and in proactive measures to protect your property from being seized in the first place. 

Our firm primarily serves El Paso, Midland, Odessa, and other areas around Texas. By consulting with our attorneys, you'll understand your legal options and the best strategies to defend your property rights. Please contact us today to schedule your in-depth case evaluation.