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Civil Asset Forfeiture in Pennsylvania: Protecting Your Property

Our Civil Asset Forfeiture Lawyers in Delco Can Help

Have you had your assets seized by the District Attorney?

If you had your assets seized or are facing asset forfeiture in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand your rights and what can be done to try to get your assets back.

In Pennsylvania, your home or valuables could be seized and forfeited even if you have not been charged or convicted of a crime, and even if you have not been involved in any criminal activity.

If the assets were suspected of being used during the commission of a crime, such as a drug crime, they can be forfeited and sold at auction. Assets can include guns, cash, houses, cars, commercial property, and boats.

Pennsylvania law is very loose when it comes to the police being able to seize and forfeit your assets and has been heavily criticized by the media for this practice. Under civil asset forfeiture, you will have to challenge the forfeiture in court to get your valuables or your home returned to you.

At Saadzoi Law,  we understand how devastating it can be to lose your home or other valuables, and we can help you fight for your property and protect your rights. We are experienced civil asset forfeiture attorneys in Media, PA who care about your rights and will work hard to defend them.

Under Pennsylvania law, a person has only 30 days to file a petition before their property can be sold at auction.  Call Attorney Wana Saadzoi for a free consultation today: 610-566-5956


Get Aggressive Representation

Contact Our Asset Forfeiture Lawyers Today
610-566-5956

Delco, PA | Chesco, PA | Montco, PA


Criminal and Civil Asset Forfeiture

There are two main types of asset forfeiture: criminal and civil. Criminal forfeiture occurs after a criminal conviction and requires that the government prove that the assets in question were acquired through illegal activity. Civil forfeiture, on the other hand, does not require a criminal conviction and allows the government to seize assets that are believed to be connected to criminal activity.

In Pennsylvania, asset forfeiture can happen in both criminal and civil cases and can include cars, homes, cash, and other property.

The property must have a direct connection to the crime in question and must be seized with a warrant or through other legal means. However, under civil asset forfeiture, property owners do not have the same protections as if they had been criminally charged, such as the right to appointed counsel. This means if a person wants their property back, they have to file a petition and any other court orders and typically will need to hire an attorney to help with this process.

In many instances of civil asset forfeiture, property owners and not even notified that their property is in the process of being seized. Most civil forfeitures in Pennsylvania are decided without the case ever going before a judge, leaving the property in the hands of prosecutors who never had to present evidence.

Can My Property be Returned through Criminal Asset Forfeiture?

If you are facing criminal asset forfeiture in Pennsylvania, you have the right to contest the seizure of your property. You can challenge the forfeiture in court, and you have the right to an attorney to represent you in the proceedings.

You can argue that the property was not used in the commission of a crime, or that you were not aware of any criminal activity. Our criminal lawyers can build a strong defense and fight to get your property returned.

Read PA Code § 5803 on Asset Forfeiture for further details.

How Do I Get My Property Back through Civil Asset Forfeiture?

Civil asset forfeiture is the process by which property is seized in a civil action, even if the owner of the property is not charged with a crime. In Pennsylvania, civil asset forfeiture can occur in cases involving drug offenses, prostitution, and other crimes, and can include cash, cars, and other property.

For example, if you lent your vehicle to someone who then conducted a drug deal in your vehicle, it can be seized, whether or not you were involved in any way whatsoever with the crime.

Unlike criminal asset forfeiture, civil asset forfeiture does not require a criminal conviction. Instead, the burden of proof is on the owner of the property to prove that it was not involved in criminal activity. This can be a difficult and expensive process, and many people end up losing their property even if they are not charged with a crime.

According to the ACLU of Pennsylvania, in the last decade, Pennsylvania law enforcement has taken over $100 million in private property through civil asset forfeiture.

In civil forfeiture, the government sues the property itself, alleging that it was used in connection with criminal activity. This means that the burden of proof is on the property owner to prove that the property was not involved in criminal activity.

Read PA Code § 5803 on Asset Forfeiture for further details.


We Can Help Get Your Property Back

Free Consultations
610-566-5956

Delco, PA | Chesco, PA | Montco, PA


Protecting Your Rights – How Saadzoi Law Can Help

At Saadzoi Law, we understand that asset forfeiture can result in innocent people losing their property without due process. That’s why it’s important to understand your rights if you or someone you know is facing asset forfeiture in Pennsylvania.

We are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for your property and will work hard to get your assets back.

We have extensive experience representing clients in all types of asset forfeiture cases, and we understand the complex legal and procedural issues involved.

Our criminal attorneys have a proven track record of successfully litigating cases, having charges dismissed or significantly reduced, and winning asset forfeiture cases. Whether you have been charged with a crime or not, we can help.

We will work with you to understand your specific situation and develop a customized strategy to protect your property and defend your rights. Whether you are facing civil or criminal asset forfeiture, we will fight aggressively on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair and just outcome.

If you are facing asset forfeiture in Pennsylvania, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.

Call Wana Saadzoi – An Experienced and Aggressive Civil Asset Forfeiture Lawyer

Call 610-566-5956 to schedule a free legal case evaluation. 


Get Aggressive Representation
Free Consultations: 610-566-5956


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