Civil asset forfeiture refers to the process that allows law enforcement offers to seize certain property that they believe was involved in criminal activity. This can have serious repercussions for those who have had their property wrongly seized. Read on to learn more about civil asset forfeiture in Texas and what to do if your property has been seized.
What Assets can be Seized?
In Texas, the following assets can be seized by law enforcement;
- Property that has been used in a transaction that violates the law
- Anything of value that was intended to be traded in exchange for a controlled substance
- Any financial assets or proceeds which were used in the exchange of a controlled substance
- Any items or assets which were used to violate drug laws
Defense to Civil Asset Forfeiture?
Some possible defenses when it comes to civil asset forfeiture include:
- You lacked the knowledge of the crime necessary to use your property in the commission of the crime
- You did not give consent to the crime that took place
Currently, Texas lawmakers are working to reform Texas’ civil law forfeiture laws to ensure that they are fair and just to Texas residents.
If your property has been seized by law enforcement, you will only have a small window of time to file an objection. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one is involved in a civil asset forfeiture case, our firm is here to help. We are here to advocate for you through every step of the process. Reach out today to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED HOUSTON FIRM
We understand how challenging various legal matters can be, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping clients in Texas through a wide array of legal matters, including personal injury law and criminal defense. If you have sustained a serious injury or are facing criminal charges, contact the Gonzalez Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you through every step of the legal process ahead.