Forfeiture Hearings

Forfeiture Hearings Lawyer & Defense Attorney Serving Minnesota

Property forfeiture is frequently the result of an alleged DWI, drug offense, or felony. Money, cars, and other property believed to be used in the commission of the alleged crime can be seized by authorities. Even a home can be seized if it is believed drug activity took place within the home. When this happens, you have the right to fight for your property. However, you have a short window of time to challenge the forfeiture or you risk losing the forfeited property forever. With the help of an experienced Minnesota criminal defense lawyer, you can effectively challenge the forfeiture by the deadline.

Charles Segal will evaluate the details of your case, such as what led to the forfeiture and the actions that were taken. He can then file a petition for a forfeiture hearing so that you have the opportunity to recover your property.

Fighting For What Is Yours

Charles Segal will help you fight vehicle forfeiture and the forfeiture of other property. You do not have to be convicted of a crime for property to be seized. You simply have to be accused. According to Minnesota Statute 609.531, property can be forfeited even if it is believed the property is intended for use in a criminal offense. This is referred to as “seizure before forfeiture” and this is done by law enforcement under the following conditions:

• The seizure is the result of a lawful search or arrest
• The property has been the subject of a prior judgment made in favor of the state in a criminal case or forfeiture proceeding
• Law enforcement has reason to believe that waiting for the judicial forfeiture of the property would result in the destruction or removal of that property. Immediate seizure can also happen if the property is believed to be a safety or health hazard or if it is intended to be used in the commission of a felony.

Forfeiture hearings are civil hearings, so they are separate from any criminal proceedings.

Trustworthy And Straightforward Advice

These matters are very serious and sensitive, requiring a great deal of care in how they are approached by a forfeiture attorney. Charles Segal will educate you about the process and advise you of your options so you can make informed decisions. The decisions you make can influence the outcome of both the criminal charges that led to the forfeiture and the forfeiture itself. With the right information and aggressive representation, you can rest assured that you are in good hands.

Contact A Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have lost property due to an alleged DWI or drug crime, you have the right to fight for the return of your property. You have 30-60 days to file a petition for a forfeiture hearing. Charles Segal can help you with this and the building of your case so that the forfeiture can be aggressively challenged. To learn more about how Segal Defense, P.A. can help you, call 612-299-1110 to request a free consultation.