Forfeiture and Seizures

Recent Cases

What Happens When the Government Seizes Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrency?

April 12, 2022

In February of this year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the seizure of more than 94,000 bitcoin from an account belonging to a New York couple who was arrested the same day the seizure was announced. The complaint and affidavit authorizing their arrest allege the government’s belief that the bitcoin was part of a […]

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What is a Geofence Warrant and is it Constitutional?

September 1, 2020

Based on a recent federal district court decision, “geofence search warrants” for Google location data are subject to being challenged as an unconstitutional violation of privacy. The judge in that case refused to grant the warrant because it was too broad and violated the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable government searches and seizures. What is […]

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New IRS Policy on Returning Money from “Structuring” Violations

August 3, 2016

The federal government recently changed its policy for seizing money for alleged “structuring violations” when that money was deposited by otherwise innocent individuals and business owners. “Structuring” refers to the act of intentionally making cash deposits in an amount not more than $10,000 to avoid the federal currency reporting requirements. Our firm has represented severa…

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“Operation Pilluted” is Another Example of DEA Excess in Alleged “Pill Mill” Cases

May 21, 2015

The DEA just announced that law enforcement officers have arrested hundreds of people, including 22 doctors and pharmacists, in connection with “Operation Pilluted.” This DEA investigation targeted alleged “pill mills” where physicians were supposedly over-prescribing pain medication including Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and the anti-anxiety drug Xanax. Although the DEA and Department of J…

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Federal Money Seizures Based on Alleged “Structuring” Violations are Unfair to Most Small Businesses

June 3, 2012

Yet another update – The IRS is sending letters to people who had bank accounts seized and money taken under the old policy suggesting they now submit new petitions requesting remission or mitigation. We have seen these letters and it’s a way people can get some of their money back. Call us if you received […]

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