214-376-4441
Los Angeles Gold Seizure Lawyer
Recovering What Is Yours
Millions recovered for clients in asset forfeiture cases involving cash seizures, vehicle seizures, and precious metal seizures.
Spencer and Associates is a top-tier law firm with unmatched expertise and decades of experience.
Arnold Spencer is a dedicated and highly competent attorney who provides his clients with fully committed representation and the knowledge needed for success. I consider myself very fortunate to have found him. Thank you.
Trusted Lawyer for Gold Seizure Cases in Los Angeles, CA
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A single gold bar or piece of gold jewelry may be worth thousands of dollars. If the government decides to seize your gold because they suspect it is tied to criminal activity, it could represent a major loss. However, do not assume that any seized gold is lost forever. A Los Angeles, California gold seizure attorney can help you take steps to get your gold back.
At Spencer & Associates, we have years of experience handling civil asset forfeiture claims involving valuable assets. In large value forfeitures, you need an attorney who is willing to put up an aggressive defense on your behalf. Do not hesitate to reach out today.
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Reasons for Gold Seizures in Los Angeles
Federal agents in Los Angeles seize gold for a range of reasons, and most involve a suspicion that the gold is tied to illegal activity rather than proof of it. Los Angeles International Airport, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the region's heavy international shipping traffic give agents frequent chances to inspect luggage, cargo, and packages containing coins, bars, and jewelry. Agents may act when they believe gold represents drug proceeds, the product of fraud, or money moved to hide its source.
Red flags often include large amounts of gold carried without receipts, inconsistent explanations about where it came from, packaging that suggests concealment, or a traveler whose income does not seem to match the value of the items. Gold can also be seized after an investigation that has nothing to do with travel, such as a search of a home or business tied to another suspect.
Once the seizure occurs, the owner is not told that the gold is gone for good. The agency must send written notice explaining why it took the property, and that notice begins a series of deadlines that shape every option available.
What Steps Can You Take to Recover Gold After You Are Given Notice?
After receiving notice of a gold seizure, the first step is to read the document closely and calendar every deadline it lists. Missing a response date can allow the agency to finish the forfeiture without any further input from the owner.
Owners generally have two main paths. A petition asks the agency to return the gold or reduce a penalty without a court hearing, and it works best when supported by clear evidence of lawful ownership. A claim asks that the case be decided in federal court, where the government carries the burden of proving its allegations. Some owners pursue both, depending on the notice and the timing.
Evidence drives both approaches. Purchase receipts, dealer invoices, appraisals, estate documents, bank records, and tax filings can show how the gold was acquired and paid for.
Attorney Spotlight Arnold Spencer
Attorney Spencer is an experienced lawyer who has handled white collar crime, asset forfeiture, and related matters for 28+ years.
- Super Lawyers, 2020-Present
- Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2007
- John Marshall Award, Department of Justice
- Securities & Exchange Commission, Courage and Valor Award
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Seizures in Los Angeles, California
The government agencies usually involved in gold seizures include Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, and the Internal Revenue Service. Local police departments and sheriff's offices working on federal task forces can also take part, and the United States Attorney's Office typically handles the case in court.
You can demonstrate your innocence in a gold seizure case by showing that the gold came from lawful sources or, if illegal activity occurred, that you had no knowledge of it. Records such as receipts, bank statements, tax returns, and witness statements help support this showing. In civil forfeiture, the government must still prove the connection to a crime first.
A criminal case can affect a civil asset forfeiture case in several ways, including delays, since the court may pause the civil action while criminal charges are pending. Statements made in one case can be used in the other, and a conviction can make it harder to contest forfeiture. An acquittal does not automatically end the civil case, since the standards of proof differ.
We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Spencer and his team for their outstanding support and guidance.
From the very beginning, they listened to us with patience and compassion, kept us well-informed at every step, and handled everything with care and professionalism. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, we were able to recover the funds successfully. We highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a trustworthy and capable legal team.
What Happens at a Civil Asset Forfeiture Trial Involving Seized Gold?
A civil asset forfeiture trial involving seized gold takes place in federal court after the owner files a claim and the government files a complaint seeking forfeiture. Before trial, both sides exchange documents and take testimony in a process called discovery, and the court may resolve some issues through motions. Many cases settle during this stage, but those that do not proceed to a bench trial or, in some cases, a jury.
At trial, the government must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the gold is connected to a crime, which is a lower standard than the proof required in a criminal case. The owner can respond with witnesses, documents, and expert testimony about the source of the gold and the legitimacy of the funds used to buy it.
Owners may also raise an innocent owner defense, arguing that they did not know about any illegal use of the property or took reasonable steps to prevent it. If the judge or jury finds in favor of the owner, the gold is returned. If the government prevails, ownership transfers to the United States, and an appeal may be possible.
Our Successes in Large Value Forfeiture Cases
Our firm has handled forfeiture cases in which the property at stake carried a high dollar value, including gold, cash, and vehicles taken by federal agencies. In those cases, we studied the government's evidence closely, assembled records showing lawful ownership, and pressed for the return of what belonged to our clients.
Meet With Our Los Angeles, California Gold Seizure Lawyer
Losing gold to a federal seizure can feel sudden and unfair, and the deadlines in your notice leave little room to hesitate. At Spencer & Associates, we review how the seizure unfolded and develop a plan around the facts and documents your case offers. Contact our Los Angeles, CA gold seizure attorney or call 214-376-4441 to set up a free consultation.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
4849 Greenville Avenue, Suite 1380, Dallas, TX 75206
214-376-4441
Contact Our Firm
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
I have read and understand the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
