Posted on December 16, 2025 in Cash & Vehicle Seizures

San Antonio police seized eight vehicles for street racing in the first 10 months of 2025, and a recent fatal crash on Interstate 10 has intensified concerns about street racing across the city. Many vehicle owners are shocked to discover that police can take their car even without a criminal conviction, and some never get their vehicles back.

Unfortunately, the San Antonio Police can permanently keep your car for street racing, through a legal process called civil asset forfeiture. Under Texas law, your vehicle can be classified as "contraband" if officers believe it was used in street racing, and you could lose ownership rights entirely. This can happen even if criminal charges are dismissed or you're never convicted of a crime. If this has happened to you, let us help. Our San Antonio, TX asset forfeiture defense attorney will help you understand the laws that govern your case and how to challenge the seizure.

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 Posted on November 27, 2025 in Criminal Asset Forfeiture

When federal agents begin an investigation, they often look closely at a person’s money and property. Expensive items like homes, cars, or bank accounts can quickly draw attention. They may try to take your property if agents believe it is connected to illegal activity. You do not even have to be charged with a crime for this to happen. If you have questions about your rights, a Houston, TX asset forfeiture defense lawyer can help you respond quickly if the government takes action against you.

Why Do Federal Agents Target High-Value Assets?

Asset forfeiture happens in both civil and criminal cases. In civil forfeiture, the government can seize property even if no one is charged with a crime. Under 18 U.S.C. § 981, federal agencies can take assets if they claim the property was involved in money laundering, drug crimes, or fraud. Criminal forfeiture occurs after a person is convicted of a federal offense. Under 21 U.S.C. § 853, prosecutors can ask the court to take property they believe came from or was used in criminal conduct.

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 Posted on November 15, 2025 in U.S. Customs & Border Asset Forfeiture

Crossing the Texas-Mexico border with a large amount of cash or valuable property can lead to serious problems, even if you have done nothing wrong. Every day, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and local police seize money, vehicles, and assets at border crossings such as El Paso, Laredo, and Brownsville. Many travelers are shocked to learn that their property can be taken even when no criminal charges are filed. If this happens to you, an experienced El Paso, TX asset forfeiture lawyer can help you fight the seizure and work to recover what is yours.

Why Does Border Patrol Take Money or Cars at the Border?

Law enforcement at the border has broad authority to seize assets they believe are tied to illegal activity. This process, known as civil asset forfeiture, allows the government to confiscate property that is "suspected" of being connected to crimes like smuggling, drug trafficking, or money laundering.

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 Posted on October 29, 2025 in Cash & Vehicle Seizures

If your business relies on regular cash flow, finding out that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized money from your business account can be devastating. You may not even be accused of a crime when your funds are suddenly frozen or gone. This kind of disruption can threaten everything you have built. Speaking with experienced Houston, TX asset forfeiture defense lawyers can make a difference in protecting your livelihood and getting your money back.

Why Would the DEA Seize a Business Bank Account?

The DEA and other government agencies can seize money when they suspect that money is connected to drug trafficking, money laundering, or other illegal activity. This process is known as civil asset forfeiture, and it does not always require criminal charges. Many seizures happen to legitimate business owners who deal in cash-heavy industries such as restaurants, trucking, or retail.

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 Posted on October 15, 2025 in Airport Asset Forfeiture

You would be surprised to learn how often the police seize cash at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). It sometimes s eems like it happened for no reason, leaving you confused and angry. Officers may believe your money is linked to a crime, even when you are simply traveling for personal or business reasons. Acting quickly is important, and the first step is to talk to a Dallas, TX asset forfeiture defense lawyer.

Why Do Police Seize Cash at DFW Airport?

At major airports like DFW, police and federal agents keep a close eye on travelers for signs of drug trafficking or money laundering. If you are carrying a large amount of cash, especially over $10,000, it may draw unwanted attention. Officers may assume the money was earned through illegal activity or meant to fund a crime.

Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 59.02, law enforcement can seize property or money they believe is connected to a crime. This is called asset forfeiture. Even if you are never arrested or charged, they can still take your money based only on suspicion. Carrying cash itself is not a crime, but certain circumstances can make officers more likely to investigate. They look for signs like buying a one-way ticket, seeming nervous or skittish, or offering inconsistent answers during questioning. Traveling to or from areas known for drug activity may also raise suspicion.

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