Innocent Owner Defense
Your property can be protected from forfeiture even when it's connected to criminal activity—if you can prove you're an innocent owner. Our experienced attorneys fight to protect the property rights of innocent people.
What is the Innocent Owner Defense?
The innocent owner defense is a legal protection that allows property owners to recover or retain their property in forfeiture cases by proving they had no knowledge of, or did not consent to, the illegal use of their property.
Lack of Knowledge
You did not know that your property was being used for illegal purposes
- •Lending your car to someone who transported drugs
- •Renting property to tenants who conducted illegal activity
Lack of Consent
You did not consent to the illegal use of your property
- •Property used without your permission
- •Illegal activity occurred against your explicit instructions
Reasonable Steps
You took reasonable steps to prevent illegal use once you became aware
- •Evicting tenants engaged in illegal activity
- •Reporting illegal use to authorities
Bona Fide Purchaser
You acquired the property without knowledge of its connection to illegal activity
- •Purchasing a vehicle previously used in drug trafficking
- •Buying property with proceeds from unknown illegal source
Common Innocent Owner Scenarios
We regularly help innocent property owners in these situations.
Vehicle Forfeiture
Your car was borrowed or stolen and used to transport drugs
Prove you had no knowledge and did not consent to the illegal use
Real Estate Forfeiture
Your rental property was used for drug manufacturing or sales
Show you were an absentee landlord with no knowledge of illegal activity
Business Asset Forfeiture
Business assets seized due to employee misconduct
Demonstrate proper compliance programs and lack of owner involvement
Joint Ownership Forfeiture
Property co-owned with someone involved in illegal activity
Protect your ownership share through innocent owner claim
Federal vs State Innocent Owner Laws
Federal Law (CAFRA)
California State Law
Documentation for Your Innocent Owner Claim
Building a strong innocent owner defense requires proper documentation. Gather these materials as soon as possible.
- Proof of ownership (title, deed, registration)
- Evidence of your location during alleged illegal activity
- Records of property usage agreements or rental contracts
- Communication records showing lack of knowledge
- Witness statements supporting your innocence
- Financial records showing legitimate source of funds
- Any actions taken to prevent illegal use
Protect Your Property Rights
If your property has been seized, don't wait. Contact Crown Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your innocent owner defense.