Navigating the Complexities of Overlapping Jurisdictions

Florida Asset Forfeiture Laws

• Under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, property may be seized if it is used in, intended for use in, or acquired through illegal activity. The state imposes strict deadlines on law enforcement, such as:
• 10 Days to File Probable Cause Motions: Agencies must petition for a probable cause determination within 10 business days of the seizure (Florida Statute 932.703(2)(a)).
• 15 Days to Request an Adversarial Hearing: Property owners must demand a hearing within 15 calendar days of receiving a seizure notice.
• 45 Days to File Forfeiture Complaints: Agencies must file formal complaints within 45 days after a probable cause determination (Section 932.703(4), Florida Statutes).

Federal Asset Forfeiture Laws

Federal forfeiture cases often involve higher stakes and more aggressive enforcement.  Common federal statutes include:

• 18 U.S.C. § 981: Civil forfeiture related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and fraud.
• 18 U.S.C. § 982: Criminal forfeiture tied to convictions for federal crimes.
• 21 U.S.C. § 881: Drug-related seizures.

How We Handle Federal and State Cases

• Strategic Coordination: If your case involves both state and federal agencies, we coordinate defenses to address overlapping legal issues and maximize your chances of success.
• Exposing Legal Violations: We analyze whether law enforcement violated due process protections, such as failing to file timely complaints or neglecting to notify property owners.
• Fighting for Asset Recovery: From negotiating asset returns to litigating in court, we pursue every avenue to protect your property.