Alexandria, LA Civil Asset Forfeiture Lawyer

Civil Asset Forfeiture Lawyer in Alexandria, LA

Alexandria, Louisiana, sits at the heart of Rapides Parish where law enforcement agencies have broad powers to seize property suspected of being connected to criminal activity. From cash found during traffic stops on I-49 to homes and vehicles seized in drug investigations, civil asset forfeiture can strip away your hard-earned property without a criminal conviction. With so much at stake, no matter what property has been seized from you, it is vital to have an Alexandria, LA, civil asset forfeiture lawyer on your side who can fight for your rights and work to recover your assets and protect your financial future.

With years of experience at our backs, the civil asset forfeiture defense team at LaCour Law Firm is ready to treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve, no matter the nature of the seizure you may be facing. When you come to us for asset forfeiture defense, you will be met with personal attention and a legal strategy that is correctly tailored to fit the unique needs of your case. Let our team meet you wherever you’re at with compassion and a readiness to stand up for your property rights.

Civil Asset Forfeiture Cases Our Alexandria Lawyer Handles

In Louisiana, law enforcement agencies seized over $20 million in assets in 2022 through civil asset forfeiture proceedings. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:2603, any act or omission punishable by confinement for more than one year under the Controlled Dangerous Substances Law gives rise to forfeiture, whether or not there is a prosecution or conviction. This means property can be seized and permanently forfeited even without a criminal conviction, placing the burden on property owners to prove their innocence. If your property has been seized in Alexandria or Rapides Parish, the first step you need to take is to contact an experienced civil asset forfeiture attorney. The defense attorneys at LaCour Law Firm are ready to help you challenge the following types of seizures based on Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:2604:

• Controlled substances and related materials. Under La. R.S. 40:2604(1), all controlled substances, raw materials, or controlled substance analogues that have been manufactured, distributed, dispensed, possessed, or acquired in violation of Louisiana’s Controlled Dangerous Substances Law are subject to forfeiture.
• Property used to facilitate drug crimes. La. R.S. 40:2604(2) allows forfeiture of any property that was furnished or intended to be furnished in exchange for controlled substances, or used or intended to be used in any manner to facilitate conduct giving rise to forfeiture. This includes vehicles used to transport drugs, homes where drug activity occurred, and equipment used in drug manufacturing.
• Proceeds from illegal conduct. Under La. R.S. 40:2604(3), all proceeds from any conduct giving rise to forfeiture can be seized. This includes cash, bank accounts, investments, and any other financial assets that law enforcement claims were derived from drug-related criminal activity, even if you earned the money legitimately.
• Weapons used in drug crimes. La. R.S. 40:2604(4) subjects all weapons possessed, used, or available for use in any manner to facilitate conduct giving rise to forfeiture to seizure. This can include firearms found in homes or vehicles where drug activity is alleged, even if the weapons were legally owned.
• Business interests and enterprises. Under La. R.S. 40:2604(5), any interest or security in, claim against, or property or contractual right affording control over any enterprise that was established, operated, controlled, or conducted through forfeiture-related conduct can be seized. This can destroy legitimate businesses based on allegations of criminal activity.
• Substitute asset forfeitures. Under La. R.S. 40:2614, if the original property subject to forfeiture has been sold, transferred, destroyed, or substantially diminished in value, the court can order forfeiture of substitute assets up to the value of the property that should have been forfeited. This means even property acquired after the alleged criminal conduct can be seized.
• Federal vs. state forfeiture cases. Civil asset forfeiture cases can be pursued in either state or federal court, depending on which agencies conducted the investigation. Federal forfeiture cases often involve larger seizures and different legal procedures than state cases under Louisiana’s Controlled Dangerous Substances Property Forfeiture Act.

Alexandria Civil Asset Forfeiture Lawyer

If you are ready to speak with an experienced civil asset forfeiture attorney regarding your case, now is the time to contact the team at LaCour Law Firm. We are your favorite lawyer’s favorite lawyer and are prepared to take on and win the toughest cases. With our experience in both criminal defense and civil litigation, we understand how forfeiture proceedings intersect with criminal cases and know how to protect your assets while defending your rights.

Let us review your case and discuss all possible strategies for recovering your seized assets. We will examine the circumstances of the seizure, challenge improper police procedures, and fight to prove your property’s legitimate source. Reach out to us today, and let us protect your property rights. Whatever your case entails, we can fight for you.