Criminal Asset Forfeiture vs. Civil Asset Forfeiture

Attorneys in Texas Helping Recover Assets Seized by Law Enforcement

Did you know that Texas law gives police departments and other law enforcement entities the authority to seize property that they suspect was used in the commission of a crime or to facilitate a crime being committed? Even if you were aware of this, do you realize that there is no requirement for criminal charges to filed in order for law enforcement to seize your property?

At the offices of Spencer & Associates, we know that there are several important differences between criminal asset forfeiture and civil asset forfeiture. We also realize that these differences are likely to have a direct impact on your case and the strategies necessary for successfully reclaiming your property. If a local police department, the Texas Rangers, or any other law enforcement agency has seized cash, vehicles, or other property belonging to you, our team is ready and willing to help you take action.

Know the Important Differences

Asset forfeiture is a civil matter that is related to but separate from any criminal proceedings. As such, not all criminal defense lawyers have the knowledge and experience to appropriately handle asset forfeiture cases. Attorney Arnold Spencer is an experienced defense lawyer who fully understands the law as it applies to seizures and the forfeiture of property. He and his team are equipped to help with both the criminal and civil elements of your situation and to work with you in making the best possible decisions for moving forward.

According to Texas and federal law, the government can seize private property if it suspects the property is being used for criminal purposes or to facilitate an alleged crime. Assets are often seized in cases related to money laundering, embezzlement, drug trafficking, extortion, and conspiracy. Such laws even give law enforcement agencies the authority to seize a motor vehicle if the owner's driver's license is suspended or revoked. Seized property can be kept permanently by the government or sold at auction for profit unless you take action to get it back.

Texas Asset Forfeiture Lawyer Fighting for You

If the police have seized your property in connection with a crime, getting your assets returned to you will be challenging, but Attorney Arnold Spencer is prepared to help you. He will meet with you to discuss your relevant circumstances and assist you in making informed, prudent decisions. It is important to realize that asset forfeiture proceedings are a matter of public record, which means that anything you say can be used against you in a concurrent or subsequent criminal proceeding. Depending on the situation, it may be in your best interest to focus on your criminal case and worry about your property later.

Asset forfeitures or seizures are subject to the provisions of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This means that law enforcement must follow all of the applicable laws regarding search warrants and probable cause. If your rights were compromised by an illegal search or seizure, Mr. Spencer is prepared to take corrective action and to get your property returned to you.

Call 469-283-6126 to Get the Help You Need

Whether you have been charged or your property has been seized in connection with a crime, an experienced attorney can be an invaluable resource. Contact our office by calling 469-283-6126 for a private, confidential consultation today. The team at Spencer & Associates is proud to serve clients in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Dallas County, Tarrant County, and throughout North Texas.