According to the Sixth Circuit Administrative Order 2016-039, the following form must be used to provide notice to the claimants after the seizure of property that is subject to forfeiture in Pinellas County, FL.
If you received a notice of seizure form, then contact an attorney to find out more about the filing requirements under Florida Statute Section 932.704(5)(c). This article discusses procedural safeguards under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act related to the forfeiture of property alleged to be contraband under Florida Statute §§ 932.701–932.7062.
This article explains your right to contest the forfeiture action by filing and serving upon the attorney representing the law enforcement agency in Pinellas County responsible for seizing the property. Find out more about how to file the responsive pleadings and notice of affirmative defenses under Florida Law.
Attorneys for Seized Property in Pinellas County, FL
If your property was seized by law enforcement officers in Pinellas County, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in St. Petersburg, FL, to discuss the seizure and underlying criminal investigation. We represent clients after their property is seized. We also represent the “innocent owner” who can also fight for the return of the property.
Call us at (727) 388-4736 to discuss your case.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SIXTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR PASCO AND PINELLAS COUNTIES, FLORIDA
RE: NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS OF SEIZURE AND FILING REQUIREMENTS UNDER SECTION 932.704(5)(c), FLORIDA STATUTES
The Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act sets forth the procedural requirements governing the forfeiture of contraband articles. See §§ 932.701–932.7062, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to section 943.704(5)(c), Florida Statutes, any claimant who desires to contest the forfeiture action shall file and serve upon the attorney representing the seizing agency any responsive pleadings and affirmative defenses. It is therefore
ORDERED:
THAT YOU HAVE BEEN SERVED WITH A FORMAL COMPLAINT AND AS A PERSON WHO CLAIMS AN INTEREST IN THE SEIZED PROPERTY, YOU HAVE TWENTY (20) DAYS FROM SERVICE OF A COPY OF THE COMPLAINT FOR FORFEITURE TO FILE IN THIS COURT ANY RESPONSIVE PLEADING, ANSWER, AND/OR AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES TO THE COMPLAINT FOR FORFEITURE.
YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED TO SERVE A COPY OF SUCH ANSWER OR RESPONSIVE PLEADING WITHIN SAID TIME PERIOD UPON THE ATTORNEY WHO FILED THE COMPLAINT FOR FORFEITURE. FAILURE TO FILE AND SERVE SUCH ANSWER OR PLEADING WITHIN SAID TIME PERIOD SHALL RESULT IN THE ENTRY OF A DEFAULT PURSUANT TO FLORIDA RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 1.500(a), AND A FINAL ORDER OF FORFEITURE.
Attorney for Claimants of Seized Property in Pinellas County, FL
If you are served with a complaint for the forfeiture of property seized during a criminal investigation, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you. Our criminal defense attorneys with offices in St. Petersburg, FL, can help you fight for the return of seized property.
Call (727) 388-4736 today to discuss your case.
