Seized Assets
When the government seizes your belongings — your house, cars, plane or boat — the burden of proof is on you to show that the belongings were legitimately acquired. This can be a difficult argument, and one should not attempt without the help of an experienced lawyer. Criminal defense lawyer Frank Rubino has more than 30 years of experience and he knows how to recover seized property for clients.
Attorney Frank Rubino has handled forfeiture cases before and he knows how to win. He can help you fight to regain your property. Call 866-718-3994 to get a strong defense lawyer you can trust.
Frank Rubino has defended clients in high-profile federal and international criminal proceedings. Many of his most notable cases involve federal asset forfeiture, including several cases where Mr. Rubino successfully defended clients accused of importing large amounts of cocaine.
When Does Forfeiture Occur?
A severe repercussion of the federal criminal charges is a separate civil action for seizing assets. For the government to impose criminal asset forfeiture, assets must be worth tens of thousands of dollars. In such large-scale cases, it is critical to contact a seasoned criminal defense attorney.
The federal government can seize assets for a number of reasons:
- If the asset was purchased with proceeds of illegal activity (illegal funds)
- If the asset was used to commit a crime
- If money laundering was involved to avoid income taxes
- If a business faces civil allegations for violation of the Patriot Act
Of course, criminal asset forfeiture is not limited to drug crimes. In cases of white collar crimes, anything from your bank account to your home could be seized if evidence suggests it was procured with illegal funds.
Why Consult With A Criminal Defense Attorney?
Although asset seizure is a civil action, it is frequently based on criminal conduct. When your assets have been seized, it is best to consult with a criminal defense lawyer who understands the related allegations.
The seriousness of this action by the federal government should not be underestimated. The federal government does not often seize assets unless they are worth tens of thousands of dollars. And seized assets are often the first step in a case, followed by a grand jury investigation and an indictment. A proactive consultation with a defense attorney can help protect your interests and your rights.
Successful Outcomes In Forfeiture Cases Around The World
Having successfully defended clients from around the world, attorney Rubino is highly sought after by victims of federal asset forfeiture in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and throughout Central and South America, including Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Honduras, Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala.
In one case handled by attorney Rubino, he represented the owner of a fleet of 11 lobster boats used for fishing off the coast of Honduras. Each boat, worth $300,000-$600,000, was seized, putting Mr. Rubino’s client out of business. Attorney Rubino has the resources and experience to fight hard against such abuse of power by the federal government.
Speak To An Experienced Attorney
Whether your property has been the subject of a criminal or civil forfeiture, defenses to the government’s action exist, and there are may be ways to recover your property under the law. To speak with Frank Rubino about your assets and your case, contact his law offices at 866-718-3994 or complete his online intake form. Whether or not you have been charged with a crime, if you have suffered federal asset forfeiture, our firm can help.
