Asset Seizure Attorney in San Diego: Fighting to Recover Your Property

Has the government frozen your bank account or seized your vehicle during a traffic stop? Whether it happened at a Border Patrol checkpoint in San Ysidro or during a local San Diego Police Department investigation, you are likely facing Civil Asset Forfeiture.

The most important thing to know is that you have a very limited window to fight back. If you miss the filing deadline (often just 30 days), the government can permanently keep your property through a “declaration of forfeiture” without ever proving you did anything wrong.

Why the Government Seizes Assets in San Diego

Under California Health and Safety Code § 11470, law enforcement can seize any property they believe is the “proceeds” of a drug crime or was used to “facilitate” a crime. Common targets include:

Cash and Bank Accounts: Large sums of money found during searches or “smurfing” allegations.
Vehicles: Cars or boats allegedly used for drug transportation.
Real Estate: Homes or businesses suspected of being used for money laundering or cultivation.

How We Fight Asset Forfeiture in State and Federal Courts

At Jason Ronis Law, we utilize high-level litigation strategies to force the government to return what is yours. Our approach includes:

Challenging the “Nexus”: We force the prosecution to prove a direct link between the property and a specific crime. If they cannot prove that connection by “clear and convincing evidence,” the property must be returned.
Innocent Owner Defense: If your property was used by someone else to commit a crime without your knowledge, we can assert an “innocent owner” defense to reclaim your assets.
Motion to Suppress (PC 1538.5): If the seizure was the result of an illegal search, we fight to have the evidence suppressed, which often leads to the immediate return of the property.
Administrative vs. Judicial Claims: We navigate the complex filing requirements for the Southern District of California federal courts and the San Diego Superior Court, ensuring every deadline is met.

The Jason Ronis Advantage

With over 20 years of aggressive criminal defense experience, Jason Ronis understands that an asset seizure is often the precursor to federal drug charges or a money laundering investigation. We don’t just treat the seizure as a civil matter; we protect your entire legal standing to ensure that fighting for your money doesn’t lead to criminal exposure.

Don’t Let the Government Keep Your Property

The government counts on you being too intimidated or too late to file a claim. At Jason Ronis Law, we have a proven track record of standing up to law enforcement agencies and winning back our clients’ livelihoods.

Book Your Free Asset Seizure Case Review

If you have received a “Notice of Seizure,” do not wait. Contact us today for a 100% free, confidential consultation to discuss your rights and start the recovery process.