San Antonio Asset Forfeiture Lawyer

Attorney Helping You Recover Assets Seized by Law Enforcement in San Antonio, TX

When you are accused of a crime, police officers or other law enforcement officials may take steps to seize your property. The law allows law enforcement to confiscate assets that may have been involved in criminal activity. If law enforcement officials believe that money was obtained illegally, that property was purchased with the proceeds of illegal activities, or that items were used or will be used to facilitate a crime, they can use asset forfeiture laws to take possession of this money or property.

When your assets have been seized, you will need an experienced attorney on your side to help you contest the seizure and get your money or property back. At the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, our skilled criminal defense lawyer understands the laws that apply in these situations and the steps that can be taken to contest asset forfeiture. Attorney Sam Lock has represented clients across Texas in these types of cases, including cases involving seizures by federal, state, and local officials.

We can help address the seizure of multiple types of assets, including:

• Cash
• Funds in Bank Accounts
• Real Estate
• Vehicles
• Jewelry
• Firearms
• Computers
• Cell Phones
• Electronics

When your property has been confiscated, it is important to act quickly to contest the forfeiture and recover the seized items. Our attorney can request a hearing to demonstrate that there was no basis for the forfeiture and that your property should be returned. Sam H. Lock understands the legal issues involved in asset forfeiture hearings, and he can make sure your rights will be protected as you work to recover what is rightfully yours.

When Are Assets Seized?

Asset forfeiture is meant to be a measure to be used against certain crimes such as money laundering, organized crime, fraud, and drug trafficking. However, you could potentially have your property seized even if you were not involved in any alleged crimes. For example, if you loaned your car to a friend or family member, and they were arrested and charged with transporting drugs, your vehicle could be seized because law enforcement believed that it was used as part of these criminal activities.

If the seizure of your assets by law enforcement is not contested, you run the risk of the permanent loss of your property, even if criminal charges are dropped or you or someone else are found not guilty. Law enforcement officials can confiscate property based on the suspicion of criminal activity, even in situations where there is no solid proof. Getting your property back can be grueling, and to be successful, you will need the skilled representation of a criminal defense attorney.

Protecting Against Asset Forfeiture

You should know that you are entitled to certain rights as a property owner. Our skilled criminal defense attorney can advocate for you before a judge, exploring every possible avenue to protect your assets. In cases of asset forfeiture, there are a number of potential defenses that may be used to recover seized items, including:

• Previous Ownership: Assets may be seized if law enforcement believes that they were purchased using the profits from illegal activity. You may be able to prove that you owned the item before the alleged illegal act.
• Innocent Owner: If you were not aware that your property was used in the commission of a crime, you may be able to recover it.
• No Criminal Nexus: If there was no connection between an alleged crime and the seized item, then it could be returned to you.
• Family Violence: In cases where a spouse or family member was the victim of family violence and was unable to prevent a crime from being carried out, they may be able to recover assets that were taken by authorities.

Contact Our San Antonio, TX Asset Forfeiture Defense Attorney

Sam H. Lock has over two decades of experience fighting criminal charges for his clients and securing positive outcomes in their cases. He handles a wide variety of cases related to drug offenses, weapons charges, and traffic violations, and he can also address asset forfeiture that has occurred in relation to these offenses. As an established lawyer in Central and South Texas, he proudly represents Texas citizens in San Antonio, Seguin, Pecos, Waco, Austin, Del Rio, El Paso, and Midland.

Contact the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock if your home, car, bank accounts, or personal possessions of any kind have been seized by the government. We can help you get your money or property back. Call our San Antonio office at 210-226-0965 to arrange a consultation.