Suffolk County
Cash Seizure Lawyer

Suffolk County Cash Seizure Lawyer

Suffolk County Cash Seizure Attorney

Under state and federal asset forfeiture laws, cash and other assets could be seized after a criminal conviction through criminal forfeiture. Through civil forfeiture, assets could even be seized before a criminal conviction. These laws exist to prevent people from profiting off crimes, but law enforcement can end up seizing cash from those who aren’t guilty or money that was not criminally related. A Suffolk County cash seizure lawyer can protect your interests.

Work With a Top-Rated Criminal Defense Firm in Suffolk County

At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, we are a premier defense firm with a history of proven results for criminal defense. Whether you are facing asset forfeiture in a criminal or civil case, our firm can defend you. We understand how destabilizing it can be to face the loss of significant cash and other assets, and we can recover assets that were unfairly taken from you. Our team can also defend you against criminal accusations.

Our firm believes in standing up for the civil rights of people like you. Whether your assets were seized by a federal agency, law enforcement, or the Suffolk County District Attorney (DA) Asset Forfeiture and Intelligence Bureau, we can help. Our team can assess the ideal method to recover your cash as quickly as possible. Let us protect your rights and financial prosperity. We are a multilingual firm offering comprehensive legal services and a compassionate approach.

Our attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, have experience in both state and federal courts, so we can fight for justice in your cash seizure case. Don’t settle for subpar legal representation for your future; invest in an effective and diligent defense.

Asset Forfeiture Laws in New York and Suffolk County

Asset forfeiture applies to two main kinds of assets related to criminal activity:

Proceeds, such as cash or other property gained from an illegal felony activity. This also includes substituted proceeds, like items bought or exchanged with these proceeds. The appreciation of these assets is also considered proceeds of the crime.
Instrumentality, such as property that directly and materially led to the commission of a crime, other than real property and buildings. This also includes real property instrumentality, which refers to interests in real property that contributed to the commission of a felony offense.

The Suffolk County DA reported over $1 million in assets forfeited under state forfeiture requirements in 2024, while the Suffolk County Police Department reported nearly $31.7 million under state forfeiture laws and nearly $2.1 million under federal forfeiture laws. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office reported just over $495,000 in total assets forfeited under federal forfeiture laws.

Civil vs. Criminal Asset Forfeiture

Asset forfeiture may be civil or criminal. Both types of forfeiture that governmental agencies engage in involve alleged or actual criminal activity.

Criminal forfeiture occurs after a criminal conviction. The proceeds and instrumentalities of the criminal offense for which a person was convicted can be forfeited, and this process is part of the sentencing of the criminal offense. It may be used after a conviction of drug trafficking, financial fraud, or serious theft. If a person is not convicted of the crime, criminal forfeiture cannot occur. If a person is convicted but appeals the conviction and gets it overturned, this could return forfeited assets.
Civil forfeiture can occur for suspected criminal activity, and it does not require a criminal conviction or even criminal charges. Law enforcement or agencies only have to establish either clear and convincing evidence or a preponderance of evidence that the assets were used to commit a crime. This is a much lower burden of proof than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is required in criminal cases. The action is taken against the property, rather than the person.

In 2024, the median household income in Suffolk County was nearly $127,000, and nearly 60% of homes in the county were valued between $500,000 and $1 million. Another 12% were valued at $1 million or more. These are significant assets a person owns, and it can be devastating if any amount of assets is wrongfully seized. If your cash or other assets have been seized, you need to hire a cash seizure lawyer to get them back.

FAQs About Suffolk County Cash Seizure Laws

Can the Police Seize Your Cash?

The police can seize your cash through civil or criminal forfeiture if the cash is proceeds or an instrument in committing a crime. If the cash is direct profits from a crime or makes it possible to commit the crime, it would likely be seized. Police can also seize other assets under the state’s cash seizure laws, such as items bought with the proceeds from a crime, like vehicles, art, real estate, jewelry, and other expensive items.

Which Assets Cannot Be Seized by Law Enforcement?

Assets that are not at all connected to criminal actions cannot be seized by law enforcement if you are suspected or convicted of a crime. It can be difficult to show that certain assets are not proceeds from a crime and/or were not used in the commission of a crime. With a skilled attorney, it is easier to secure the evidence needed to counter unreasonable asset forfeiture and seizure actions.

What Is the Cost of a Cash Seizure Attorney?

The cost of a cash seizure attorney depends on the attorney and your specific case. Defense attorneys tend to charge an hourly rate, although asset forfeiture cases that are separate from criminal cases may operate differently. An attorney’s fees are reliant on their experience, their location, and how complex your case is. If your case takes longer, it may have higher costs because it requires more resources and work from your attorney.

How Can You Recover Seized Assets?

To recover seized assets, you should work with a skilled defense and asset forfeiture lawyer. They can defend you against criminal charges and file the right claim to show that those assets were not related to criminal offenses. An attorney can secure the right documentation for your assets, defend you in court, and guide you through the claims process. While an attorney cannot guarantee asset recovery, they greatly increase your chances of success.