Criminal and Civil Forfeiture

Experienced Federal Forfeiture Defense Attorney – Almonte Law

Facing federal asset forfeiture? Don’t let the government take what’s yours without a fight. Robert Almonte, federal asset forfeiture attorney, will aggressively defend clients against federal criminal and civil asset forfeiture actions. Whether you’re under investigation or your property has already been seized, we’re ready to protect your rights and your assets.

What Is Federal Asset Forfeiture?

Federal asset forfeiture is a powerful legal tool that allows the U.S. government to seize property allegedly linked to criminal activity. This includes:

• Criminal forfeiture – Requires a federal conviction.
• Civil forfeiture – Can occur without criminal charges.

Both types are commonly used in cases involving:

• Drug trafficking
• Financial fraud
• Racketeering and RICO
• Money laundering
• Public corruption
• Human trafficking

Federal Criminal Forfeiture Defense

Criminal asset forfeiture targets property connected to a federal crime after a conviction. It is in personam—against the individual—and follows criminal procedure.

Key Features:

• Conviction Required: Forfeiture only occurs after a federal conviction.
• Defendant’s Property Only: Only the convicted individual’s interest can be seized.
• Procedural Safeguards: Governed by Rule 32.2 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• Third-Party Rights: Innocent owners may challenge forfeiture post-conviction (21 U.S.C. § 853(n)).

Common Criminal Forfeiture Statutes:

• 21 U.S.C. § 853 – Drug offenses
• 18 U.S.C. § 982 – Money laundering, wire fraud, and bank fraud
• 18 U.S.C. § 1963 – RICO (racketeering)

Federal Civil Forfeiture Defense

Civil asset forfeiture allows the government to seize property without filing criminal charges. It is in rem—against the property itself.

Key Features:

• No Conviction Needed: Property can be forfeited even if the owner is never charged.
• Lower Burden of Proof: Government only needs to prove a connection to a crime by a preponderance of the evidence.
• Innocent Owner Defense: Owners can assert lack of knowledge or consent.
• Used in Broad Cases: Fraud, drug offenses, human trafficking, and more.

Common Civil Forfeiture Statutes:

• 18 U.S.C. § 981 – General forfeiture
• 21 U.S.C. § 881 – Drug-related assets
• 31 U.S.C. § 5317 – Currency & structuring offenses

Types of Assets Commonly Seized by the Federal Government

Federal agencies frequently target:

• Bank accounts and cash
• Real estate and vehicles
• Businesses and IP
• Cryptocurrency and brokerage accounts
• Jewelry, art, collectibles, and luxury goods

Why Choose Almonte Law for Federal Forfeiture Defense?

At Almonte Law, we bring insider experience and aggressive advocacy to every forfeiture case.

• Led by a Former Federal Prosecutor: We know how forfeiture cases are built—and how to tear them down.
• Tailored, Strategic Defense: We challenge unlawful seizures and procedural violations.

Get Your Property Back – Start Today

If the federal government has seized your assets or you’ve received a forfeiture notice, don’t delay. The clock is ticking on your rights to challenge the seizure.

Call Almonte Law now for a confidential consultation with a federal asset forfeiture attorney.
Protect your future. Reclaim what’s yours.