The IRS utilizes considerable resources in order to seek out assets alleged to be either the fruit of illegal activities, or otherwise used in the course of such acts. Task forces combine the efforts of international, federal and local authorities to locate and seize assets subject to forfeiture due to these alleged connections to crime. Homes, investments, cash, automobiles, computers and other possessions are wrongfully taken by the government through this process.
Forfeiture may proceed in several ways:
Administrative forfeiture: Administrative forfeiture permits the federal government to seize property without judicial involvement.
Civil forfeiture: Also called civil judicial forfeiture, civil forfeiture is an action brought against the property. No criminal charge is listed against the individual and the property is listed as the defendant.
Criminal forfeiture: Criminal forfeiture is an action brought as part of a criminal prosecution.
Regardless of how the client's involvement with asset forfeiture began or the process under which it takes place, the tax attorneys at The Wilson Firm are well-positioned to help clients get their property returned to them. In cases where the client had no knowledge that the property was being used illegally, or when no crime was committed, the client may be entitled to have their property returned to them.
