Most people are shocked to find out the breadth of the government’s power to forfeit property.  What the government may take is virtually unlimited.  Common items include homes, land, cash, bank accounts, vehicles, antiques, jewelry, boats and computers.  More shocking, is the scant evidence the government sometimes has when it commences a forfeiture action.   In many cases where the government pursues forfeiture of property there is no crime charged, indeed, there is not even probable cause sufficient to charge a crime.

If your cash, bank account, vehicle or other property, real estate, jewelry or other property has been seized by state, local or federal law enforcement officers, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), you should immediately should contact an attorney who is experienced in handling asset forfeiture cases.  Forfeiture laws are complicated and tricky, including strict deadlines.  There are many technical mistakes that even an attorney can make.  The best course is to retain an experienced forfeiture attorney immediately after the seizure of the property or the service of notice of forfeiture.

If you need help on any aspect of a Wisconsin or federal forfeiture action, contact Madison forfeiture attorney Robert T. Ruth at (608) 257-2540 for a free consultation.