If you are convicted of a drug crime in California, your assets may be seized as part of the state's asset forfeiture laws. This can happen even if the assets were not used in connection with the drug crime. In this blog post, we will explain how asset forfeiture works in California in relation to drug crimes and what options are available to you if you’ve been charged with a drug crime and are at risk of having your assets seized if you’re convicted.
Types of Asset Forfeiture in California
Facing criminal charges involving drugs in California can be a stressful experience, one where the defendant’s property is particularly at risk. When convicted of a drug crime in the state, it’s possible that your assets and property may be seized by the government through the process known as asset forfeiture.
The following are the four most common types of asset forfeiture in California:
- Contraband – Illegal items, such as illegal drugs, guns, or imports.
- Exchanges – Cash or items exchanged, or intended to be exchanged, for contraband.
- Proceeds – Profits earned from the sale of illegal drugs or other types of contraband.
- Facilitation – Items, usually vehicles, that were used to commit drug crimes.
Types of Property Subject to Asset Forfeiture
Asset forfeiture in California involves a wide range of property, including the following:
- Bank accounts
- Homes
- Brokerage accounts
- Illegal drugs
- Vehicles
- Cash
- Boats
- Computers
- Weapons
Does the Severity of a Crime Affect Asset Forfeiture?
In California, being charged with drug crimes can put your assets in serious jeopardy. Depending on the severity of the crime, different types of asset forfeiture may be possible:
- Misdemeanor Drug Crimes - If you have been charged with a misdemeanor drug crime in California, it's important to know that only the proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs may be subject to asset forfeiture. This means that any personal items or property that were not connected to the sale of drugs will remain yours.
- Felony Drug Crimes - In California, those who have been charged with felony drug crimes may be facing not only jail time but also asset forfeiture. This means that any legal property or assets determined to be part of the criminal enterprise may be seized by the government. This can include cash, vehicles, or other property associated with the crime.
Contact Our Experienced Drug Crime and Asset Forfeiture Defense Attorney in Murrieta Today
If you’re facing a drug crime conviction in California, asset forfeiture may be included as part of your case. If so, it’s essential that you do everything legally possible to protect your assets and have legal representation capable of achieving the best possible outcome for your case. To accomplish this, you should contact John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC.
At John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients facing drug crimes charges and at risk of asset forfeiture in California. We understand that your future, freedom, and property are on the line, which is why we will fight for you the same way we would fight for a loved one if they were in the same situation.
To learn more about John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC, and how we’ve helped past clients get the charges they’re facing reduced or dismissed, read our clients’ reviews.
Give us a call at (951) 749-5598 or contact us online today to schedule your initial consultation with our experienced drug crimes and asset forfeiture defense lawyer in Murrieta.