Losing property to the government is frustrating and confusing, especially when you haven’t been charged with a crime. Federal and state forfeiture laws allow authorities to seize cash, cars, real estate, and other assets they suspect are connected to illegal activity. But seizures don’t always follow fair procedures, and innocent people often find themselves fighting to reclaim what’s theirs.
If the government has taken your property, you need to act quickly. Forfeiture cases move fast, and missed deadlines can mean losing your assets permanently. At Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan, we have the experience and determination to challenge government overreach and fight for the return of your property. Our firm represents clients in state and federal courts across Michigan, pushing back against aggressive seizure tactics to protect your rights.
Understanding Asset Forfeiture Laws
Federal and Michigan laws allow three types of forfeiture:
- Criminal forfeiture – The government seizes property as part of a criminal conviction. A person must be found guilty before the government can take their assets permanently.
- Civil forfeiture—Unlike criminal forfeiture, civil cases do not require a criminal charge. The government sues the property itself, arguing it was involved in illegal activity. The owner has the burden of proof to prove otherwise.
- Administrative forfeiture – Federal agencies like the DEA, FBI, and IRS can seize property without court involvement if the owner doesn’t file a claim in time. Many people lose assets simply because they didn’t respond quickly enough.
Authorities commonly seize property related to drug crimes, fraud, money laundering, and organized crime, but they don’t always get it right. Many cases rely on weak evidence, and property owners may have no connection to criminal activity. If your assets have been taken, you have the right to fight back.
How We Defend Against Asset Forfeiture
Challenging the Government’s Case
For the government to keep seized property, it must prove a connection between the assets and criminal activity. This is not always as straightforward as prosecutors claim. At Federal Criminal Attorney of Michigan, we challenge:
- Weak evidence – The government often relies on assumptions rather than solid proof.
- Unlawful searches and seizures – If authorities violate your rights, we push to have the forfeiture dismissed.
- Procedural errors – If law enforcement fails to follow proper procedures, the case could be thrown out.
Proving Innocence and Lack of Knowledge
Many people lose property even though they were never charged with a crime. If you did not know about the alleged illegal activity, you may be able to claim the innocent owner defense. This argument can stop forfeiture when an owner can prove they did not know or had no reason to know that their property was involved in a crime.
Filing a Claim and Fighting for Your Property
Forfeiture cases have strict deadlines. Failing to respond in time can result in the automatic loss of your property. We act fast to:
- File claims demanding a court hearing instead of letting the government decide the outcome.
- Challenge the legality of the seizure and force the government to provide objective evidence.
- Present arguments in court to prove the property is legally owned and should be returned.
Negotiating for Property Return
Not all forfeiture cases end in court. In some, negotiation can lead to a settlement in which property is returned, or the amount seized is reduced. We explore all options to protect your assets, including remission petitions and administrative appeals.
Why Choose Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan for Forfeiture Defense?
Fighting asset forfeiture requires knowledge of state and federal laws and an aggressive legal strategy. Our firm has defended individuals and businesses against wrongful seizures in Michigan’s state and federal courts. We understand how prosecutors build these cases and how to expose weaknesses in their arguments. By taking an aggressive stance, we resist unfair government overreach and work to return property to its rightful owners.
Our track record includes successful challenges to improper seizures, negotiated settlements that reduce financial losses, and dismissals that prevent the government from keeping seized assets. We move quickly to file claims, challenge the legality of forfeitures, and defend our clients’ rights in court. Every case receives our full attention because we know what’s at stake when property is on the line.
Take Action Now – Call Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan
If the government has seized your property, you don’t have time to wait. Missed deadlines could mean losing your assets forever. Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan is ready to step in, challenge the forfeiture, and fight for the return of your property. The sooner you act, the better your chances of reclaiming what’s yours. Contact us today to get started.