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Blog Posts - Criminal defense
When Bank Accounts Get Frozen During Federal Investigations in New York
Federal investigators in New York can freeze bank accounts when they believe the funds are connected to criminal activity such as fraud, drug trafficking, or money laundering. At Peter Katz, our financial crimes defense attorney in New York can assess why the government froze your bank accounts, review related federal...
Read More Evidence Federal Authorities Use to Justify Asset Seizures
Federal authorities usually rely on several types of evidence to argue that property is tied to unlawful activity, including: Financial records showing suspicious transactions Surveillance or undercover investigations Communications such as text messages or emails Physical evidence discovered during searches Testimony from cooperating witnesses For example, federal agents investigating alleged...
Read More Civil vs Criminal Asset Forfeiture: What NYC Defendants Need to Know
Civil and criminal asset forfeiture allow the federal government to seize property connected to alleged criminal activity. The key difference is how your case will proceed. Criminal forfeiture occurs after a conviction in a criminal case, while civil forfeiture allows the government to pursue property itself, even if you’re not...
Read More Steps Involved in Cryptocurrency Cases
Cryptocurrency investigations have become a major focus of federal law enforcement. Whether the issue involves alleged fraud, money laundering, tax violations, or unregistered securities activity, federal agencies are aggressively pursuing cases tied to digital assets. If you believe you are under investigation or have already been contacted by federal authorities...
Read More Can Police Take Cash Without Charges in New York?
Many people are shocked to learn that federal law enforcement officers can seize cash even when no criminal charges are filed. This issue arises frequently in airports, during traffic stops, and in federal investigations involving alleged drug activity, fraud, or money laundering. If federal agents have taken your money and...
Read More When You Need an Asset Forfeiture Attorney
Having your cash, vehicle, or other property seized by federal authorities can be one of the most frustrating and confusing experiences you face. In many cases, people lose property even though they are never arrested or charged with a crime. Federal asset forfeiture laws are powerful, fast-moving, and heavily weighted...
Read More Your Rights After Property is Seized in a Federal Case
When federal agents seize your property during an arrest or investigation, you retain important legal rights protecting you from permanent loss. Federal law establishes specific procedures the government must follow and provides multiple avenues for challenging improper seizures. Many property owners surrender valuable assets simply because they do not know...
Read More New York Federal Asset Forfeiture Process After a Seizure
When federal agents seize your vehicle, cash, or other property, it can feel like punishment without a conviction. Many people are surprised to learn that under federal law, the government can take and keep property even if no criminal charges are ever filed. These situations commonly arise in New York...
Read More Asset Forfeiture in New York, and How You Can Fight
Federal law enforcement agencies have broad authority to seize property they believe is connected to criminal activity, even before prosecutors file charges against you. Federal asset forfeiture allows the government to seize items through legal proceedings that place the burden on you to prove your innocence. Without aggressive legal representation,...
Read More Steps to Recover Seized Assets After a New York Arrest
When federal law enforcement seizes your property during an arrest or investigation, you face a complex legal process to reclaim what belongs to you. The steps to recover seized assets after a federal arrest or investigation start with hiring a knowledgeable attorney. Without proper guidance, you risk permanently losing valuable...
Read More How Attorney Peter Katz Supports Your Case
With over 30 years of experience practicing criminal law, including as a federal and state prosecutor, attorney Peter Katz has a proven record of success for clients in New Jersey. Whether you’ve been charged with a federal felony or need help blowing the whistle on government fraud, Peter Katz is...
Read More Asset Forfeiture Seizures in New York
Civil and criminal asset forfeiture is a powerful tool prosecutors and law enforcement agencies use to punish offenders, disrupt criminal enterprises, fund agency activities, and reimburse crime victims. The U.S. attorney’s office in New York even has lawyers dedicated to maximizing seizures by tracing unlawful gains and purchases. If you’re...
Read More Facing Charges in Both State and Federal Court in New York
Yes, you can be charged with the same (or similar) crime in both federal and state court. This does not violate the Double Jeopardy clause of the United States Constitution. These dual-jurisdiction cases often arise if you’re accused of committing multiple offenses during the same event or defrauding both the...
Read More Differences Between Federal and State Crimes in New Jersey
Federal crimes are illegal nationwide and are prosecuted in the local federal district court. State crimes are unlawful only in New Jersey and are charged in either the local superior or municipal courts. Although state and federal criminal offenses can overlap, federal charges are often more serious than state charges....
Read More What Happens to Property Seized During a Criminal Investigation in NY?
When New York law enforcement officers take your property during criminal investigations, the property is documented and secured until the court enters the final forfeiture or release order. Cash assets, such as bank accounts, can be frozen but remain on deposit with your financial institution, while physical assets, such as...
Read More Can a Lawyer Help Recover Seized Property in New Jersey?
Yes, hiring an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer is often the only way to recover even unlawfully seized property. It’s also necessary if law enforcement officials take your property during criminal proceedings or in anticipation of filing federal charges. Increase your chances of recovering seized property in New Jersey with...
Read More What to Do Immediately After an Asset Seizure in New York?
Asset seizure –whether as contraband, evidence, or the fruits of ill-gotten gains– often accompanies criminal investigations and charges. Although the Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures, it does not prohibit law enforcement from lawfully taking your assets under New York state and federal asset forfeiture laws. If...
Read More How Long Do You Have to Fight Asset Forfeiture in NJ?
If they can find grounds to take it, they will. Asset forfeiture funds the Department of Justice. In fact, there’s a division of federal prosecutors assigned to ensure the government seizes any asset even remotely linked to the criminal activity or alleged ill-gotten gains. Both federal and state law enforcement...
Read More What is Witness Tampering Under New Jersey and Federal Law?
Witness tampering is a federal and state crime in New Jersey, generally categorized as obstruction of justice. It refers to various acts an offender or his/her associates takes against a witness designed to prevent the witness from testifying, testifying truthfully, or otherwise presenting evidence. Witness tampering is a serious crime...
Read More Can You Get Bail in a Federal Criminal Case in New York?
Yes, bail is an essential legal right protected by the United States Constitution and federal law. Most defendants can get bail in NY federal cases, but this depends on the accused’s charges, prior criminal history, and assessed flight risk. For the best chance of obtaining bail under fair conditions, you...
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