Police Took My Shit
Law Office of Konstantinos K. Markakos, P.C.
As an experienced attorney with a concentrated focus on forfeitures, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. With a career spanning 29 years, as a former prosecutor and using my experience to help people now. I have successfully navigated the intricate legal landscape surrounding asset forfeiture, consistently achieving favorable outcomes for my clients.
My practice emphasis is forfeiture cases. I possess a deep understanding of the legal framework governing asset forfeiture, including the relevant statutes, regulations, and case law. This comprehensive knowledge allows me to strategically analyze each case, identify potential pitfalls, and devise effective legal strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of my clients. I am well-versed in the nuances of due process, ensuring that my client's rights are protected throughout the proceedings.
I have a thorough understanding of the intricate interplay between criminal charges and asset forfeiture, enabling me to navigate the complexities of parallel proceedings effectively. I teach seminars to enhance my understanding of emerging trends, strategies, and case precedents of forfeiture law.
Please contact my office so I may help you get your property back, if possible.
Money
Police around this state and around the country have made a concentrated effort to take peoples money even when no crime was committed or anyone arrested. Let me fight for you to get you your money back. Civil forfeiture is a legal process in which the government can seize property that is suspected of being involved in criminal activity. The property owner does not have to be charged with a crime or convicted in order for the property to be forfeited. The government only has to show that there is a "preponderance of the evidence" that the property is connected to criminal activity.
Civil forfeiture is often used in drug cases, but it can be used for any type of crime. The government can seize cash, cars, homes, businesses, and even livestock. Once the property is forfeited, the government can keep it or sell it and use the proceeds for law enforcement purposes.
Civil forfeiture has been criticized as being a form of "legalized theft." Critics argue that the government is taking property without due process of law and that the process is often used to target innocent people.
Here are some additional facts about civil forfeiture:
The government does not have to prove that the property owner knew that the property was being used for illegal activity.
The property owner does not have the right to a jury trial.
The property owner has to pay for the cost of storing and maintaining the property while the case is pending.
The property owner can challenge the forfeiture, but the burden of proof is on them to show that the property was not involved in criminal activity.
Civil forfeiture is a controversial issue, and there are calls for reform. Some states have passed laws that make it more difficult for the government to seize property through civil forfeiture. However, the practice is still legal in most states, and the federal government continues to use it.
Money laundering
The governemnt will try to take your money right out of your bank account. They will file a lien on your home to try and take it from you, stopping you from selling it or getting a new loan on it.
Cars
Police are taking people cars when used for carry drugs, aggravated fleeing and eluding, guns and driving on suspended license. They try to take the car even if the owner was not the one involved in the crime. In a world where your car is more than just a mode of transport, it becomes a symbol of your personality, your achievements, and sometimes, unfortunately, a beacon for government attention under forfeiture law proceedings.
The primary reason the government states is the basis for vehicle forfeiture is the car was used or intended to be used in connection with criminal activities. Police Departments assert that the car was either used or intended to be used to facilitate a crime. This could range from transporting illegal substances, having a gun in the car, fleeing & alluding, driving on a revoked license, or being used as a getaway car in a crime. The government's stance is that confiscating such a vehicle disrupts ongoing criminal activities and deters future misconduct.
A primary motive for Police to seize your car and initiate forfeiture proceedings is seizing the car as a source of revenue for police departments. These assets, once forfeited, may be sold, and the proceeds could be used to fund various law enforcement initiatives.
Airports
When someone brings more than $10,000 into the United States without reporting it, they face seizure of their money by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We can be of help in several ways.
We will explain the legal requirements for carrying large sums of money into the U.S. The requirement isn't to limit the amount but to report any amount exceeding $10,000. This is a matter of federal law designed to prevent money laundering and other financial crimes. Understanding these laws is crucial in responding appropriately to the seizure.
If your property has been seized, we will guide you through the process of contesting the seizure. This involves a series of legal steps, including filing a claim for the return of the property and possibly a petition for remission or mitigation. We will help in preparing and submitting these documents correctly and within the stipulated time frames.
We will act as your advocate and representative in dealings with CBP or other involved government agencies. We will communicate on your behalf, ensuring that your due process and property rights are protected.
We will utilize every legal avenue to challenge the seizure of your property. We will strategize to indicate the lawful source and purpose for the funds. We will show the valid explanation for not reporting, by articulating and defending this position. We will help you gather, and we will present evidence to support your case, such as financial statements, business records, or other relevant documentation to obtain your property back from the government.
Depending on the specifics of your case, we will explore all available legal options to seek relief. We will negotiate with the CBP for the release of your funds or, if necessary, litigate the matter in court.
Our role in cases of property seizure at the airport due to non-reporting of large sums of money is multifaceted. It involves legal guidance, representation, advocacy, and strategic planning to address and resolve the situation effectively. Out extensive knowledge in forfeiture law is crucial in navigating the complex legal landscape of federal customs regulations and in protecting your rights and interests throughout the process.
Law Office of Konstantinos K. Markakos, P.C.
890 E. Higgins Rd., Suite 147
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-895-3860
kkmlaw@markakos.com