Asset Forfeiture in Criminal and Civil Cases
When the federal or state government believes that you used your property to support a criminal activity, they can seize it. They won't just seize your drug paraphernalia—they may also seize your car, house, bank account, cash, computer and more.
If the government is threatening to seize your property, contact our law firm NOW. There are certain rights you could lose by doing nothing. You need an attorney who will jump in immediately and who knows how to attack these cases aggressively. At Boyle, Autry & Murphy, we have handled forfeiture cases since the forfeiture statute came into existence.
Protecting Our Clients' Rights in Any Type of Forfeiture Case
There are three levels of forfeiture: criminal forfeiture (in criminal courts), administrative forfeiture (in the administrative courts) and civil forfeiture (in civil courts). Regardless of the type of forfeiture the government chooses in your case, it will always be linked to a criminal act or the use of funds obtained in furtherance of a criminal activity. The government may choose one type over another to pursue forfeiture because there are different burdens of proof for each.
For example, a prosecutor may attach a forfeiture suit to a drug crime case. If they doubt they can prove that the drug crime happened beyond a reasonable doubt (the criminal burden of proof), they will file a civil forfeiture action using the Rules of Civil Procedure, which make it easier for them to seize your property.
Many criminal attorneys do not handle forfeitures and many civil lawyers find forfeitures to be criminal in nature and they avoid the cases. At our law office, we have substantial experience representing clients involved in all three levels—criminal, administrative and civil. We know the rights you have at each level and we will aggressively defend them.
Contact Boyle, Autry & Murphy
When you risk losing your property, do not hesitate to call an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our lawyers represent clients in state and federal forfeiture actions throughout Pennsylvania.
