Having your money, vehicle, or home seized by federal agents can be one of the most stressful experiences imaginable. Even when no charges are filed, recovering seized property can be a long and confusing process. Federal forfeiture laws give the government powerful tools to take and hold assets, but they also provide opportunities for owners to fight back. Understanding the best practices for recovering seized property can make the difference between reclaiming what is yours and losing it permanently.
Timing is everything. When federal agents seize property, they typically provide written notice explaining the process and deadlines for contesting the action. In most cases, an owner has only 30 days to file a claim. Missing this window can result in automatic forfeiture.
Even if the notice never arrives, deadlines still apply. The safest approach is to contact an experienced forfeiture attorney as soon as possible. Early action helps preserve your rights and allows counsel to gather evidence before it disappears.
There are two main types of forfeiture: administrative and judicial. Administrative forfeiture is handled directly by a federal agency, such as the DEA or FBI. If the owner does not file a claim, the agency keeps the property. Once a claim is filed, the case moves to federal court for judicial forfeiture, where a judge determines ownership.
Knowing which type of forfeiture applies helps shape the defense strategy. Administrative cases move quickly and require fast responses. Judicial forfeitures provide more opportunities for legal challenges.
The government must show that property is connected to criminal activity. Owners can counter this by presenting clear evidence that the assets were obtained lawfully. This may include:
A strong paper trail can shift the burden back onto the government and increase the chances of recovery.
Claims must follow strict formatting requirements under federal law. They must be signed under penalty of perjury, include specific identifying details, and be filed in the correct jurisdiction. Incomplete or late claims are often rejected.
An experienced attorney ensures the claim meets every technical requirement and is submitted on time.
In some cases, full recovery may be difficult. However, the government may be willing to settle, returning a portion of the seized assets in exchange for closing the case. Skilled negotiation can lead to faster resolutions and reduced losses.
If settlement is not possible, the case proceeds to federal court. There, your attorney can challenge the government’s evidence, question the legality of the seizure, and present proof of lawful ownership. Courts sometimes order full or partial returns when the government’s case is weak or when procedural errors occur.
Recovering seized property is not a simple matter of asking for it back. Federal forfeiture laws favor the government, and unrepresented claimants often lose by default. The attorneys at Glozman Law understand the procedures, deadlines, and evidentiary standards that govern these cases. We help clients act quickly, build persuasive claims, and fight to recover what was wrongfully taken.
If your property has been seized, contact Glozman Law today. We can help you assert your rights and work toward reclaiming your assets.
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