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Seizure for Forfeiture by FBI

The FBI is a federal law enforcement agencies that seizes assets for civil asset forfeiture. The FBI, along with other agencies like the DEA, CBP, HSI, and USSS, use civil forfeiture as a tool to combat criminal activity.

The FBI views forfeiture as a way to disrupt criminal organizations, such as drug trafficking cartels, white-collar crime rings, and terrorist groups, by taking away their ill-gotten gains used to commit crimes.

The FBI can seize various types of property through civil forfeiture, including cash, bank accounts, vehicles, real estate, jewelry, firearms, and cryptocurrency.

A civil forfeiture case is an “in rem” action, meaning the legal case is brought against the property itself, not against the person. In civil asset forfeiture cases, the government can seek forfeiture even if the property owner is never charged with or convicted of a crime.

In a civil forfeiture case, the government’s burden of proof is “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning they only need to show it is more likely than not that the property is connected to criminal activity. This is a significantly lower standard than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required for a criminal conviction.

If the FBI seizes your assets, they will send you a “Notice of Seizure” explaining their intention to forfeiture your property. This notice provides the specific information you need to file a claim to contest the seizure. If you do not file a claim within the specified deadline, the property is administratively forfeited to the government.

If you do file a timely claim, an Assistant United States Attorney will decide whether to return the property to you, or file a complaint for forfeiture in the appropriate U.S. District Court.

Attorney for FBI Seizures for Forfeiture

The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm are experienced in fighting both criminal and civil asset forfeiture cases. We can help you respond to a criminal investigation initiated by the FBI, and file a claim for court action. We represent all types of claimants including innocent owners, bailees, spouses, lien holders and secured creditors.

Contact an experienced asset forfeiture attorney at Sammis Law Firm.

Call 813-250-0500.

This article was last updated on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

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Asset forfeiture

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*The case results discussed here do not necssarily reflect the potential outcomes of other cases. The facts and circumstances of each case are unique and must be evaluated and handled on their own merit.

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