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San Diego Asset Forfeiture Attorney | Recover Seized Cash & Property

Did the DEA, FBI, or CBP seize your money? You have a limited time to fight back. We specialize in recovering assets from federal and state agencies.

Don't Let the Government Keep Your Property

If you have had cash, vehicles, or property seized by federal agents or local law enforcement in San Diego, you are likely feeling violated and confused. You may have been told that your property is “evidence” or that it is being held for “forfeiture.”

The reality is that Asset Forfeiture is a legal tool used by agencies like the DEA, FBI, CBP (Customs and Border Protection), and the San Diego Police Department to take property they suspect is connected to criminal activity. You do not even have to be charged with a crime to lose your property.

At Jason Ronis Law, we understand the urgency of these cases. There are strict deadlines to file a claim. If you miss them, your property is gone forever. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in seized assets for clients across Southern California. We know the administrative loopholes and the federal statutes necessary to force the government to return what is rightfully yours.

How Asset Forfeiture Works in San Diego

Asset forfeiture is not a simple criminal proceeding; it is often a civil battle against your property itself.

Civil vs. Criminal Forfeiture

Criminal Forfeiture: This occurs after a conviction. If you are found guilty of a crime (like drug trafficking or money laundering), the court may order you to forfeit the proceeds of that crime.
Civil Judicial Forfeiture: This is a lawsuit brought against the property itself (e.g., United States v. $50,000 in U.S. Currency). The government only needs to prove a “preponderance of the evidence” that the assets were involved in a crime, a much lower standard than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Administrative Forfeiture: This is the most common type. No judge is involved initially. The seizing agency (like the DEA) simply issues a notice. If you do not file a claim within the strict deadline (usually 30-60 days), the government automatically wins.

Common Scenarios for Seizure in San Diego

San Diego is a hub for international travel and commerce, leading to frequent seizures at specific checkpoints.

1. Cash Seizures at San Diego Airport (SAN) Travelers often carry large amounts of cash for legitimate business or family reasons. However, TSA and law enforcement agents often profile travelers. If you are stopped with over $10,000 and cannot immediately “prove” where it came from, they may seize it under suspicion of drug trafficking or money laundering.

Internal Link: Read more about our White Collar Defense services

2. Border Crossings (San Ysidro & Otay Mesa) CBP agents frequently seize vehicles and cash at the border. Even if you were unaware that a passenger in your vehicle had illegal items, the government might try to seize your car.

Internal Link: See our Border Crimes Defense page

3. DEA Raids and Search Warrants During a search warrant execution for a drug investigation, agents will often sweep up everything of value—cash, jewelry, electronics, and vehicles—regardless of whether they are proven to be drug proceeds.

What To Do Next: A Checklist for Recovering Your Assets

If your property has been seized, your actions in the first 72 hours are critical.

Do Not Sign Anything: Agents may ask you to sign a “waiver” or “abandonment” form in exchange for letting you go. Never sign this. It waives your right to get your property back.
Keep All Receipts: If the seized cash was from a business, a home sale, or a loan, gather the paper trail immediately.
Wait for the Notice of Seizure: You will receive a document in the mail detailing what was taken and the deadline to file a claim.
Call an Experienced Attorney Immediately: Do not try to file the administrative claim yourself. One checked box in the wrong place can result in a denial.

Warning: Filing a petition for “Remission or Mitigation” is often a trap. It admits that the forfeiture was valid and asks for mercy. We often recommend filing a Judicial Claim to take the case out of the agency’s hands and into a federal courtroom where we can fight fairly.