Is it true that the police say they can take my possessions because they were purchased with proceeds from a drug crime?

Have police told you that they can confiscate possessions you own that were purchased with proceeds from illegal drug activity? At Grabel & Associates, our team of skilled Michigan drug crime lawyers works vigorously to protect our clients. Our legal knowledge and ability to fight state and government authorities make us a smart choice in legal representation.

Known as asset forfeiture, state or federal authorities may seize property they believe to be connected to illegal drug activity under a ruling implemented by the United States Supreme Court. Even if you have not been arrested for a drug crime, police can seize property believed to be obtained through proceeds gained through the sale, manufacture, or distribution of drugs.

Police May 'Choose' Which Cases to Investigate

Not only may police take your possessions if they believe those possessions are connected to the proceeds from a drug crime, they may also sell them. It's an unfortunate fact, but when your property or assets are sold, police departments often keep a huge chunk of the profits. Therefore, police may 'choose' to investigate a crime based on its profitability, instead of focusing on organized criminals who may have large amounts of drugs or pose a real danger to society. Asset forfeiture was designed to punish big-time drug dealers; unfortunately, today police will target anyone they please regardless of whether they are involved in dealing or distributing drugs when they can get away with it.

Types of Property Taken by Police in Drug Crimes

When police tell you they may take possessions you have obtained through proceeds of a drug crime, those possessions may be some of your most valuable including your car, home, boat or RV, business, even your bank account. While it seems incredible, $15 million in assets were forfeited in the state of Michigan alone in the year 2000. However, as experienced Michigan drug crimes attorneys we understand that state and federal authorities make mistakes, and that there are times when property or possessions are seized when an individual rightfully owned the property and it was not purchased with drug proceeds. You must have a capable lawyer who will fight the government so that you can reclaim what is rightfully yours.

Contact an Experienced Michigan Drug Crime Attorney Now

If police have threatened to take your possessions after claiming they were purchased with proceeds of a drug crime, never assume it is an idle threat. State and federal law enforcement are aggressive in their efforts to punish drug offenders, no matter how large or small their operation is. Authorities even stoop to such levels as to attempt to lure drug violators into committing crimes so that all property of any value may be seized.

Contact a confident skilled lawyer who will protect your possessions or recover property that has been seized by police. Call Grabel & Associates right now at 1-800-342-7896. We are available 24/7. Call our toll-free number immediately or contact us online.