Was Your Personal Property Taken by Forfeiture?
Contact Daytona Beach Area Attorney Leanna Jane Smith
Defense lawyers and others in the criminal defense system in Florida have noticed a trend in recent years of an increase in property forfeitures taking place in connection with criminal charges. Contact a knowledgeable lawyer to schedule a consultation after you have lost personal property to forfeiture in connection with a criminal arrest.
The Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act (Florida Statute 932.701) defines contraband as follows:
"5. Any personal property, including, but not limited to, any vessel, aircraft, item, object, tool, substance, device, weapon, machine, vehicle of any kind, money, securities, books, records, research, negotiable instruments, or currency, which was used or was attempted to be used as an instrumentality in the commission of, or in aiding or abetting in the commission of, any felony, whether or not comprising an element of the felony, or which is acquired by proceeds obtained as a result of a violation of the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act."
While the law is similar to previous versions of contraband forfeiture laws, the legal community has noticed a step-up in enforcement recently. An aggressive defense is necessary when law enforcement has seized your property before your criminal case has been prosecuted.
The procedure for reclaiming your property will require a civil hearing. Attorney Leanna Jane Smith is has handled numerous cases involving forfeiture. She is a former prosecutor and has succeeded in helping many defendants retrieve cars, money, weapons and other personal property after forfeiture had taken place.
Fight Back if You Lost Your Car, Money or Other Property to Forfeiture Seizure
Contact a Daytona Beach area defense attorney who will aggressively fight to get your property back. From her law offices in Deland, attorney Leanna Jane Smith works with clients in the Daytona Beach area and throughout Central Florida. Call or e-mail her law office to schedule a consultation regarding forfeiture related to drug charges or any criminal charges.
