Through equitable sharing, any state or local law enforcement agency that directly participates in a law enforcement effort that results in a federal forfeiture may either request to put tangible forfeited property into official use or an equitable share of the net proceeds of the forfeiture.
Equitable Sharing Request Form (DAG-71) For use by State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Deadline for submission of this request is forty-five (45) days following the date of forfeiture. Asset Information.
Settlements to forfeit property are designed to conserve the resources of both the claimants and the government in situations where justice will be served.
The U.S. Department of Justice's equitable sharing program is designed to enhance cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies through the sharing of proceeds resulting from federal forfeitures.
Innocent Owner Defense This defense is potentially available in all types of asset forfeiture cases to innocent third party owners who can prove ownership of the seized property and show that they did not know about or did not consent to the illegal use of their property.
If you want to know how to fight civil forfeiture effectively, contact a lawyer immediately. They can help you find evidence, gather witnesses, and craft a tailor-made strategy to help get back what is rightfully yours. If you don't contest forfeiture, the government can take your property permanently.
TO CONTEST THE FORFEITURE OF THE PROPERTY IN UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM. Failure to file a claim may result in the seized property being forfeited to the United States. To file a claim: A claim must be filed with the agency that gave notice of the seizure and intent to forfeit.