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.
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John P. – 3/18 Case Dismissed – Discharge of Firearm at Police. John P. - 3/18 Case Dismissed - Discharge of Firearm at Police.
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YE – 11/18 NOT GUILTY – Murder Case YE - 11/18 NOT GUILTY - Murder Case
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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.
Sarah handled my divorce case and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Sarah was extremely flexible and worked around my schedule without hesitation. Everything regarding the divorce was thoroughly explained to me and Sarah kept me up to date on all matters. Sarah was able to resolve my divorce quickly and produce a favorable outcome without having to go to court.
Sarah Is an excellent attorney I. have hired her for a prenup ,a divorce, She is an excellent person to deal with she has lifted a lot of worry off my shoulders always I’ve gotten what I wanted and got my piece of mine back Always responded when I needed her I would recommend her highly to anyone .She is a fair attorney and tells you everything she knows.
Sarah's patience and generosity with her time made, what could have been a very trying time in my life, much less stressful. She was thorough. I always felt listened to and she helped me accomplish the tasks I wished to accomplish. I would highly recommend her to anyone going through a divorce/custody agreement (and I have...several times!).
Hired Sarah for a child custody case. Sarah was responsive, supportive and well informed. She walked me through each step of the process with patience and insight. We were able to accomplish our goals. I would 100% recommend Sarah to anyone!
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Excellent choice I made by hiring her for my case. I felt extremely confident and relaxed going forward with the case well respected always on time. Everything you would expect from an extremely professional lawyer.
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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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