Civil Asset Forfeiture
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Pennsylvania has one of the least stringent civil forfeiture laws in the country. Under these laws, the government can legally take property it claims is connected to illegal activity. This includes money, cars, even homes. The government does not have to convict or even charge the property owner in order to seize the property. For example, the government could seize a person’s car if it was used in a crime, even if the owner was never a party to the activity. In some cases, the state has seized an individual’s home even when the homeowner is not accused of any criminal activity.
Further, if you are charged with a crime and the charges are later dismissed, you are not immediately entitled to the return of your property that was seized by law enforcement. The government only needs to connect the property to a crime by a preponderance of the evidence in order to retain seizure of the property.
Property owners do not have the same constitutional rights in forfeiture cases as they have in other criminal proceedings. As such, many are never even notified their property is subject to forfeiture proceedings. In fact, most civil forfeitures in Pennsylvania end without the property owner ever appearing before a judge. This allows prosecutors to take the property without ever presenting evidence. Further, since there is no right to counsel, most give innocent parties give up and their valuable assets are never returned.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, in the past decade, Pennsylvania law enforcement has taken over $100 million in private assets through civil forfeiture. In the most recent year on record, Pennsylvania seized $1.11 million in cash through civil forfeiture. The government retains 100% of the profits from the property they seize if it is not returned to the owner.
At the Law Offices of Gregory J. Pagano, we represent individuals whose property has been seized through civil forfeiture. We help our clients recover the property which rightfully belongs to them. We have had success getting the majority of our clients’ property returned even when they have pled guilty to a crime. Over the last few years, Pennsylvania has been more inclined to return property seized through civil forfeiture if the party is willing to come to court and fight for it. It is a common mistake for criminal defense attorneys not to try to get their client’s property back. At the Law Offices of Gregory J. Pagano, we can fight for you to get back the property that is rightfully yours.
At the Law Office of Gregory J. Pagano, We have recovered millions of dollars in assets – cash, real estate, automobiles and jewelry – from law enforcement on behalf of our clients
Sarah is an absolute genius. She worked above and beyond to get me my property back. I went through 3 different attorneys, and they all told me ” you can forget about your property, you’ll never get it back” . Not Sarah… she rolled up her sleeves, and got right to business. When I received the call from Mr. Pagano’s office, to pick up a check, and my property, I was in complete shock!!! Sarah Jones is the real deal. I recommend her any day. Thanks again Sarah. Phenomenal work.
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D. Pennington – 10/19 Not Guilty – Attempted Murder D. Pennington - 10/19 Not Guilty - Attempted Murder
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Anonymous – 5/17 Case Dismissed – Robbery Motor Vehicle (Carjacking) Anonymous - 5/17 Case Dismissed - Robbery Motor Vehicle (Carjacking)
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Nafis Pinkney – 2/18 Not Guilty – Murder Case. Nafis Pinkney - 2/18 Not Guilty - Murder Case.
“Greg insisted on hiring a ballistician, and the results were in my favor, but the prosecution still persisted . . . was relentless in pursuing the true story of the incident . . . Greg was fantastic and never wavered in pursuit of a fair outcome for me. I am very grateful to him and his fine staf...
John P. – 3/18 Case Dismissed – Discharge of Firearm at Police. John P. - 3/18 Case Dismissed - Discharge of Firearm at Police.
“Greg is very good at what he does which is practicing law. His team is very professional and caring for ensuring and working on your cases and being very communicating with you through all the process.”
Mike – 5/18 Mike - 5/18
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Mike – 8/18 Not Guilty – Assault and Burglary Mike - 8/18 Not Guilty - Assault and Burglary
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Anonymous – 11/18 Anonymous - 11/18
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YE – 11/18 NOT GUILTY – Murder Case YE - 11/18 NOT GUILTY - Murder Case
“Mr. Pagano (Greg), is an OUTSTANDING, UPSTANDING and DETERMINED attorney.”
Lisa M. – 12/18 Case Dismissed – Drugs and Guns Lisa M. - 12/18 Case Dismissed - Drugs and Guns
“Greg, and his assistant Sarah provided my son with excellent legal representation. You can use any lawyer but its clear Greg is head and shoulders above his peers. His reputation in the courthouse and his professionalism carries a lot of weight in his dealings with the DA’S. He used his skill t...
AT – 12/18 Case Dismissed. Aggravated Assault on Police. AT - 12/18 Case Dismissed. Aggravated Assault on Police.
Mr. Pagano provided amazing service to me. He provided a holistic approach because he understood that my children were affected by the unfortunate circumstances. Throughout the process, he was attentive to all of my concerns as a client.
I should have left this review a long while ago. I was fighting a serious case in 2012. Its effects turned my life upside down. Mr. Pagano saved my life. The opportunities I have today would not be possible if not for him and his entire team.
Sarah jones helped me with my child support case. They kept running over me not listening to anything I said, taking more money from me until I hired Sarah. I told her my story and she took it from there and when it was time to go e I won all my cases. Just wanted to say Sarah Jones is no joke, she does a great job and I want to say thank u again Sarah.
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