They Took My Car, My Cash, and My Stuff: Fighting Civil Forfeiture in Illinois

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Not Guilty Lawyers, Guns and Money, criminal defense attorney Edward Johnson breaks down civil forfeiture—when the government seizes your property without a criminal conviction. Edward explains how these cases start, what agencies are involved, and the steps you need to take to prove ownership and recover your assets. From cash and vehicles to large sums of money, he shares real-life examples, common pitfalls, and strategies to protect yourself. This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand how civil forfeiture works and how to fight to get your property back.

Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Understanding civil forfeiture and its national impact.
01:30 – Property can be seized without a criminal conviction.
03:00 – Distinguishing criminal vs. civil forfeiture situations.
05:00 – Airport seizures, traffic stops, and government overreach.
07:30 – How law enforcement justifies seizures and the reliability of drug-sniffing dogs.
10:00 – Cases involving contaminated cash, casinos, and large sums of money.
12:30 – Receipts, tax returns, business records, and documentation needed to reclaim property.
15:00 – Importance of timely filings, working with an attorney, and avoiding mistakes on claim forms.
17:00 – Why agencies may resist returning property and the legal complexities involved.
18:30 – Strategies to safeguard money and other valuable property from wrongful seizure.

About the Show:
Not Guilty Lawyers, Guns and Money features Edward Johnson, a leading criminal defense attorney in Illinois. With extensive experience in serious criminal cases and civil forfeiture, Edward provides actionable guidance to protect your rights and assets when facing government investigations.

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