Being charged with a crime is frightening on its own—but when the government tries to take your property before you’ve even had your day in court, the stakes rise dramatically. That’s what happens in asset forfeiture cases. Whether it’s your cash, vehicle, home, or business assets, law enforcement can seize property they suspect is connected to criminal activity—even if you haven’t been convicted.
At DiDonato & Burke Law Firm, Philadelphia criminal defense attorney Thomas F. Burke understands how devastating and confusing asset forfeiture can be. Your property isn’t just material—it’s tied to your livelihood, your future, and your dignity. If your assets have been seized in connection with a criminal investigation in Philadelphia, it’s critical to act fast and fight back with a strong legal strategy.
Here’s what you need to know about asset forfeiture in Philadelphia —and how DiDonato & Burke Law Firm can help you protect what’s yours.
What Is Asset Forfeiture?
Asset forfeiture is a legal process that allows law enforcement to seize property they claim is involved in criminal activity. This often happens in cases involving:
- Drug offenses
- Fraud or white-collar crimes
- Money laundering
- Weapons charges
- Organized crime or conspiracy cases
What’s especially alarming is that civil asset forfeiture doesn’t require a criminal conviction. Authorities only need to suspect that the property is connected to a crime, and they can take it while the case is still pending—or even if charges are never formally filed.
What Can Be Seized?
In Pennsylvania, nearly any type of property can be targeted for forfeiture, including:
- Cash or bank accounts
- Vehicles
- Real estate
- Phones, computers, and electronics
- Jewelry or personal valuables
- Business equipment or assets
The law is written in a way that shifts the burden onto you to prove the property wasn’t used for or acquired through illegal activity.
What Happens After Seizure?
If your property is seized, you’ll typically receive a notice of forfeiture, and you’ll have a limited amount of time to respond. If you miss the deadline or don’t respond properly, the government may keep your property by default—even if you’ve done nothing wrong.
That’s why it’s essential to contact a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer like Thomas F. Burke immediately. The process is technical and time-sensitive, and having a skilled advocate on your side can make the difference between getting your property back—or losing it permanently.
Fighting Asset Forfeiture in Philadelphia
At DiDonato & Burke Law Firm, Mr. Burke takes a personal, aggressive approach to asset forfeiture defense. Thomas F. Burke will:
- Challenge the legality of the seizure
- Investigate whether law enforcement followed proper procedure
- Argue that your property is not connected to criminal activity
- Assert your constitutional rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments
- Help you file a timely claim to recover your property
In many cases, we find that seizures were made without proper cause, based on weak evidence, or as part of overzealous investigations. We fight to expose those flaws and push back against unjust government overreach.
Why Asset Forfeiture Cases Are So Complex
Asset forfeiture law is filled with legal gray areas. Unlike criminal law, civil forfeiture doesn’t require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Instead, the government only needs to show that it’s more likely than not that the property is connected to crime.
Innocent owners—people who had no knowledge of any alleged criminal conduct—can still lose their homes, cars, or cash. If you’re not prepared to defend your property rights quickly and correctly, the consequences can be permanent.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
We’ve seen clients whose businesses were crippled by asset seizures, who lost access to their bank accounts, or who were left without a vehicle to get to work. The emotional and financial toll is real—and so is your right to fight back.
Thomas F. Burke has more than 30 years of experience defending clients in high-stakes criminal and forfeiture cases in Philadelphia. He personally handles each case with the discretion, urgency, and attention it deserves. When your property and future are on the line, you deserve nothing less.
Take Action Now to Reclaim What’s Yours
If you’ve received a notice of asset forfeiture or your property has already been seized in connection with a criminal case, don’t wait. Every day that passes makes it harder to recover what you’ve worked for.
Call Thomas F. Burke at DiDonato & Burke Law Firm today at (215) 567-1248 to schedule a confidential consultation. Let our experience be your defense—and your first step toward taking back control when winning matters most.
