Forfeiture Defense in Michigan

Detroit area lawyer with a background in property seizure

You may be subject to a forfeiture action if the government believes that your property was acquired with profits from a criminal enterprise or was used to facilitate criminal activity. Forfeiture is usually a civil procedure, but it may be filed as a criminal charge at the discretion of the prosecutor. The Law Offices of Charles H. Marr, PLLC vigorously defends you against state and federal forfeiture proceedings. As a prosecutor, Charles Marr successfully tried a $4 million forfeiture case, the largest on record in Michigan. His detailed knowledge of applicable laws gives you a strong chance of successfully recovering your property.

Property seized in drug crime investigations

Drug crimes are the most common basis for seizure of property under forfeiture law. You may be facing drug or other criminal charges when your property is seized, but you can be subject to a forfeiture action even if you are not accused of a crime. You only need to be in possession of property that is suspected of having a connection to the sale of narcotics or other illegal activity. Property subject to seizure may include:

• Your house, on the basis that it was used to facilitate illegal activity
• Your car, because it was used during illegal activity or purchased with the profits of that activity
• Cash, assumed to be the profits of criminal activity

Drug crime property seizures may be conducted by the state under the forfeiture provisions of Michigan’s Controlled Substance Act or by the federal government under the RICO statute, which allows forfeiture actions based on a wide range of criminal enterprises. Your property may even be seized without court order under certain circumstances. Attorney Charles Marr responds swiftly to the forfeiture, taking all of the necessary steps to help you get your property back.

Public nuisance forfeitures

The police may raid an establishment or a home and seize the property as a public nuisance under Michigan law. This type of forfeiture action is typically used when a location is suspected of facilitating prostitution, but other criminal activity may be cited. Even if there is no visible crime at the time of the seizure, the government may conduct the forfeiture based on the building's general reputation. The law is very broad, and lawyer Charles Marr has the skill to challenge it when your property is seized.

Work with a knowledgeable Michigan forfeiture attorney to recover your property

When your property has been seized by the state or federal government, turn to a Michigan lawyer with extensive experience handling forfeiture cases. Contact Charles Marr online or call him at 248-596-1599. Your initial consultation is free.