One of the many ways local law enforcement agencies fund their war chests is through a process of what you and I would commonly call “theft.” When that process is legalized, it’s called “civil forfeiture.”
In Oregon, the government can take anything from you – cash, cars, jewelry, or your home, if they can prove that the item was instrumental in helping someone commit the crime for which that person was convicted. The government can also initiate a civil forfeiture proceeding if they believe your property was purchased with illegally obtained money (proceeds).
If you have been served with a “Notice of Seizure for Forfeiture” by the government, it is imperative you speak with an experienced attorney who regularly handles civil forfeiture matters throughout Oregon. Even if you have been convicted of a crime and you may think the government has a good case against the property, it is important to speak with someone who is familiar with that process throughout Oregon courts. There are often strict timelines in which a person must respond in order to retain an interest in the property that the government is trying to take.
One of the benefits of retaining an experienced Oregon civil forfeiture attorney is that, should you win, the government likely will have to reimburse you the reasonable costs of attorney fees.