Indianapolis Civil Asset Forfeiture Lawyer
The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution protects all of us from efforts by prosecutors to deprive us of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. That is why prosecutors need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime for which they have charged you. That is why you have a right to an experienced Indianapolis civil asset forfeiture lawyer and a fair and speedy trial before a jury of your peers, among other rights designed to place limits on what the government can do to us and our property.
Unfortunately, local governments and law enforcement agencies in Indiana can and do seize property from citizens without such due process, without any finding or verdict that the property’s owner committed a crime. Using the process called civil asset forfeiture, these government entities can obtain an order to take away your money and property based merely on the claim that it was connected to an alleged crime. Police across Indiana seized more than $3 million worth of property and cash during 2019 through civil asset forfeiture; a process critics call “policing for profit.”
Defending Citizens and Their Property From Government Overreach
At Rigney Law, we know how quickly the government can move to seize someone’s money and property and how shocked people are when they suddenly find their car, bank account or cash, and other possessions in the hands of law enforcement, perhaps never to be returned.
Rigney Law Founding Partner A. Kassi Rigney represented the State of Indiana in these cases for over 2-1/2 years and understands the challenges citizens face when trying to fight civil forfeiture proceedings. She now uses her experience and insights to help people in Indianapolis and across the country defend their constitutional rights and either prevent police from seizing assets or secure their safe return to their rightful owners.
Civil Forfeiture as Police Funding
Civil forfeiture is an act that occurs at the state and federal levels. In Indiana alone, police seized more than $3 million worth of property and cash in 2019 through civil asset forfeiture.
Civil forfeiture continues at a brisk pace and continues to be a source of police funding, as local and state departments keep the vast majority of the funds they take without any repercussions. In 2021, the Indiana Senate passed a bill allowing cops to seize assets from people suspected of committing “unlawful assembly.” The problem is that this is such a vague criminal charge that virtually anyone could be charged with it at any time. It’s all up to the arresting officer.
Can You Get Your Property Back?
Lawmakers realize that the system is unfair. Challenges to the law are now pending before the Supreme Court of Indiana, the Supreme Court of the United States, and other courts. Currently, though, Indiana law allows law enforcement departments to hold vehicles or real property for up to six months.
But with an experienced Indianapolis civil asset forfeiture lawyer on your side, you can fight these efforts and increase your chances of retrieving your seized assets. The lawyer at Rigney Law LLC are passionate about protecting the rights of those suspected of criminal offenses.
Increase the Odds of Getting Your Property Back
Legislators have considered changes to this unfair system for years, and challenges to the law are now pending before various courts – including the Supreme Court of the United States and the Supreme Court of Indiana. Currently, though, Indiana law allows law enforcement departments to hold real property or vehicles for up to six months. If the state decides to file a forfeiture claim against the asset within the first 180 days, the property will be held indefinitely until the conclusion of the case, which can often be several additional months.
By hiring an experienced Indiana civil asset forfeiture lawyer, you can fight these efforts and significantly increase your chances of retrieving your seized assets. The attorneys at Rigney Law are passionate about protecting the rights of those suspected of or charged with criminal offenses. That passion and commitment extend to fighting government efforts to unjustly seize money and property without due process of law.
Call the Indianapolis Civil Asset Forfeiture Lawyers at Rigney Law Today
At Rigney Law, we know how scary it can be to face criminal charges, and how bewildering and frustrating it can be if the government seizes your property in a civil asset forfeiture. If your property or money are at risk, we are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions, protect your rights, and begin working on your behalf. We offer free initial consultations. Call Rigney Law LLC today at 317.623.0992 or contact us online. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
