New York State Asset Forfeiture Lawyers

You’ve Worked Hard for Your Assets – Don’t Let Them Be Seized Without a Fight

We get it – you’re stressed, overwhelmed, and scared. Getting that notice that the government is trying to seize your hard-earned money, property, or other assets through asset forfeiture is a nightmare scenario. But take a deep breath – you’ve come to the right place.

At Spodek Law Group, we’ve been battling government overreach and protecting people’s rights for decades. Our seasoned asset forfeiture attorneys have seen it all and know every trick prosecutors try to pull. We’re not intimidated, and we’re ready to fight tooth and nail to keep what’s yours…yours.

So don’t panic. We’re here to guide you through this stressful situation step-by-step. With our expertise in your corner, you can breathe a little easier knowing you’ve got a formidable legal team working tirelessly to prevent your assets from being wrongfully taken.

What the Heck is Asset Forfeiture Anyway?

Maybe you’ve never even heard of this “asset forfeiture” thing until that ominous letter showed up. Or perhaps you know a little about it but are still pretty confused. Let’s break it down:

Asset forfeiture refers to the government’s ability to seize money, property, businesses, vehicles – really any assets they believe are connected to criminal activity. It’s a legal process that allows law enforcement to permanently confiscate those assets, even before there’s a criminal conviction.

Sounds crazy, right? It’s supposed to be a way to disrupt criminal enterprises by taking away their tools and ill-gotten gains. But far too often, this power gets abused and innocent people’s legitimately-obtained assets get caught in the crosshairs.

There are different types of asset forfeiture too:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Criminal Forfeiture

This happens when assets are seized as part of a criminal prosecution after a conviction. The assets are alleged to be proceeds of the crime or tools used to commit it.

Civil Forfeiture

With civil forfeiture, the government can seize assets through a civil case, without ever getting a criminal conviction. The property itself is essentially “accused” of being involved in a crime, with a much lower burden of proof for the government.

Administrative Forfeiture

This allows certain federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF to seize assets worth less than $500,000 without any court case at all. Terrifying, we know.

No matter what type you’re facing, having your assets seized can cripple you financially and destroy your life’s work in an instant. That’s why you need a powerhouse asset forfeiture lawyer fighting relentlessly for your rights.

Why New York’s Asset Forfeiture Laws Are a Mess

If you’re being threatened with asset seizure in New York State, the laws governing it are a total tangle of red tape and confusion. State prosecutors can only seize “proceeds” of a crime and “instrumentalities” used to commit it – but interpreting what qualifies is maddeningly vague.

Even worse, in most cases they can’t touch your home or other real estate, no matter what alleged crime they’re investigating. But of course, there are exceptions that open the door for them to try.

It’s a confusing mess that provides tons of loopholes for prosecutors to exploit and tons of opportunities for top-tier asset forfeiture attorneys to punch holes in their cases.

The burden of proof is also higher in New York than federally, which is a potential lifeline. State prosecutors have to prove forfeitability beyond a reasonable doubt – a very high bar that works in your favor with the right legal strategy.

But make no mistake, district attorneys will pull out all the stops to take anything they can get their hands on. They’ll dig through every aspect of your finances, businesses, and personal life to construct an “evidence trail” tying your assets to alleged crimes.

You need lawyers who can dismantle that trail and counter every underhanded prosecutorial tactic. Lawyers who know all the nuances of New York’s convoluted forfeiture laws inside and out.

At Spodek Law Group, that’s exactly what our asset forfeiture team provides. We use our deep experience as former prosecutors to stay one step ahead and shield your wealth from government greed.

How We Battled Asset Forfeiture Cases (Real Client Stories)

The best way to illustrate our battle-tested asset forfeiture capabilities? Share some real-life client victory stories:

A small business owner was devastated when the DEA seized over $350,000 from her company’s bank accounts, crippling her ability to pay employees and vendors. Prosecutors tried claiming the money was proceeds from drug crimes, but our lawyers uncovered the funds were all from legitimate contracts and sales. We deconstructed the government’s shoddy evidence piece-by-piece until they had no choice but to return every penny.

A respected doctor who made a few youthful mistakes with marijuana decades ago had his $2 million home and $600,000 in assets seized. Prosecutors were trying an outrageous overreach, stretching the law to pursue assets with no real tie to any crimes. Our attorneys battled them for over a year, until finally a judge ruled the seizures violated the statute of limitations and were improper.

In another case, the FBI seized a large stockpile of cash from a client’s home during an investigation – over $800,000 in total. Prosecutors tried using this as evidence of money laundering, but our lawyers demonstrated the client was a skilled poker player who earned all that money legitimately through tournaments. After months of litigation, every dollar was returned.

Those are just a few examples, but we could go on and on. The bottom line? We know all the prosecutorial tricks and how to dismantle their cases from every angle. Our unparalleled asset forfeiture experience gives you the highest caliber defense possible.

New York Asset Forfeiture Laws Explained

As we mentioned, New York’s asset forfeiture statutes are a tangled web. But understanding the key laws is crucial for building a strong defense:

NY Penal Law Article 480

This law covers criminal forfeiture for felony drug convictions. But it requires prosecutors to prove forfeitability beyond a reasonable doubt – an extremely high bar giving you a solid defense opportunity.

NY Organized Crime Control Act

This statute also allows for criminal forfeiture in organized crime cases, with the same tough “beyond reasonable doubt” burden of proof as Article 480.

NY CPLR Article 13-A

This is New York’s main civil forfeiture law, allowing seizure of assets with only a “preponderance of evidence” that they’re tied to crimes. A much lower threshold making it ripe for prosecutorial overreach.

Those are the big ones, but there are other nuances buried in New York’s laws that our asset forfeiture attorneys know inside and out. We’ll find every possible angle to challenge the seizure and protect your wealth.

Fighting Asset Forfeiture Step-by-Step

So what’s our battle-proven process for dismantling asset forfeiture cases? It starts with an immediate response as soon as you’re notified of potential seizure:

Rapid Records Preservation

The moment you get that dreaded seizure notice, we’ll initiate a comprehensive legal hold to preserve every potentially relevant document, file, communication, and record. This prevents any accusation of destroying evidence or obstructing the investigation.

Aggressive Evidence Challenges

Next, we’ll thoroughly analyze all the evidence prosecutors are using to justify seizure, looking for any holes, inconsistencies, or violations of your rights. We know all their dirty tricks and how to dismantle their evidence trails.

Forceful Negotiation

In many cases, we can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or drop the seizure demands entirely. Our former prosecutor team members understand the game and how to make the government blink first.

Strategic Litigation

If negotiation fails, we’re ready to fight tooth and nail in court with aggressive litigation tactics. We’ll attack the case from every angle, exposing the flimsiness of the prosecution’s claims.

Meticulous Appeals

Even if a lower court allows seizure, we’ll relentlessly pursue all available appeals options. We never stop battling until you get to keep what’s rightfully yours.

Through every step, we’ll keep you informed and looped in on all developments. Communication and transparency are essential – you’ll always know exactly where your case stands.

Choose Spodek Law: Fierce Asset Forfeiture Defenders

In the ultra-complicated world of asset forfeiture cases, you need attorneys with a complete mastery of the laws and the grit to take on government overreach at every turn. That’s exactly what you get with Spodek Law Group’s seasoned asset forfeiture team.

Some key reasons to trust your case to us:

✨ Decades of Asset Forfeiture Experience

Our attorneys have been defending against seizures at all levels for over 30 years. We’ve seen every prosecutorial tactic in the book and know how to counter it.

✨ Aggressive Litigation Approach

We never back down from a fight. Our litigators are true courtroom warriors who will battle until the bitter end to keep your assets protected.

✨ Meticulous Preparation

You can count on our team to leave no stones unturned preparing your defense. We’ll scrutinize every shred of evidence and explore every possible legal angle.

✨ Unwavering Client Communication

From the initial seizure notice until the final ruling, we’ll keep you constantly updated on your case status. You’ll always know what’s happening and what’s next.

Don’t let prosecutorial overreach strip you of your life’s work and hard-earned assets. Hire the fearless asset forfeiture warriors at Spodek Law Group. We’ll move heaven and earth to keep what’s yours…yours.

Rapid Response is Critical – Contact Us Now

The moment you receive any notice about potential asset seizure or forfeiture, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights. Every day’s delay gives prosecutors more opportunity to build their case against you.

That’s why we urge you to contact Spodek Law Group immediately at 212-300-5196 for a free, confidential consultation. Describe your situation to our veteran asset forfeiture intake team and get the ball rolling on your aggressive defense.

We’re available 24/7 to start safeguarding your money, property, businesses, and other assets from government overreach. Don’t let the prosecutors take what you’ve worked so hard to build – let us fight for you with everything we’ve got.