Burlington County Account Forfeiture Lawyer — How Do You Protect Your Assets?
An accion para la rendicion de cuentas (account forfeiture action) in Burlington County is a serious civil proceeding where the government seeks to permanently seize money or assets from a bank account. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these actions, which are governed by New Jersey’s civil forfeiture statutes.
What Is an Account Forfeiture Action Under New Jersey Law?
An account forfeiture action, or acción para la rendición de cuentas, is a legal process initiated by the state, typically through the county prosecutor’s office or a state agency, to take ownership of funds or assets they allege are connected to criminal activity. Unlike a criminal case, this is a civil proceeding against the property itself, often filed under the New Jersey Forfeiture Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:64-1 et seq. The government’s burden of proof is lower than in a criminal trial, making a strategic defense critical from the outset.
Last verified: April 2026 | Burlington County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources for Burlington County
Understanding the legal framework is essential. The state’s forfeiture laws are codified by the legislature, and local procedures are set by the Burlington County courts.
- N.J.S.A. 2C:64-1 et seq. (official New Jersey Legislature site)
- Burlington Vicinage Superior Court (official New Jersey Courts website)
Local Insight for Burlington County Forfeiture Proceedings
In Burlington County, forfeiture actions are often filed by the Prosecutor’s Office in the Law Division of the Superior Court. These cases move quickly, and strict deadlines apply for filing a claim to contest the seizure. A common procedural hurdle is proving a legitimate, non-criminal source for the funds, which requires detailed financial documentation.
- Receive Notice of Seizure: You will get a formal notice from the government that your account has been seized and a forfeiture action has been filed.
- File a Timely Claim: You typically have only 35 days from the date of the notice to file a verified claim and cost bond with the court to assert your ownership interest.
- Engage in Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence. Your attorney will demand the government’s basis for the seizure and submit proof of your lawful income.
- Negotiate or Litigate: Many cases are resolved through negotiation for a partial return of funds. If not, the case proceeds to a civil bench trial before a Superior Court judge.
Potential Penalties and Consequences of Forfeiture
In Burlington County, losing an account forfeiture action means the permanent loss of 100% of the seized funds, which can total tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus liability for associated government costs.
While not a criminal penalty, the financial impact is severe. The table below outlines the primary consequence:
| Action | Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Forfeiture | Civil Proceeding | Total loss of seized funds + court costs | Damage to credit, frozen banking relationships, tax implications |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Financial Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a formidable defense perspective to contested cases like account forfeiture. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands the tactics used by the state. The firm’s combined experience exceeds 120 years, and we have handled thousands of cases across multiple states, developing a strategic approach to protecting clients’ assets from government seizure.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our approach focuses on challenging the government’s case at its foundation—the alleged link between the funds and illegal activity. We meticulously gather evidence of legitimate income, file aggressive motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence, and negotiate for the return of assets. In one case, we successfully argued for the return of over $85,000 in seized funds by demonstrating our client’s lawful business income.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Financial Defense Lawyers
Our team is ready to defend your assets. We serve clients throughout Burlington County, including near the Burlington County Superior Court in Mount Holly and communities like Moorestown, Willingboro, and Medford.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Account Forfeiture
Can the police seize my bank account without charging me with a crime?
Yes. Civil asset forfeiture is a proceeding against the property, not you personally. The government can seize assets it suspects are connected to crime, even if you are never charged or convicted.
How long do I have to fight an account forfeiture in New Jersey?
It depends, but the timeline is very short. You typically have only 35 days from receiving the notice of seizure to file a formal claim in court. Missing this deadline usually means automatically losing the money.
What is the government’s burden of proof in a forfeiture case?
The government must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the property is connected to illegal activity. This is a lower standard than “beyond a reasonable doubt” required in criminal cases.
Do I need a lawyer for an accion para la rendicion de cuentas?
Yes. The process is highly technical, with strict deadlines and detailed rules of evidence. An experienced attorney is essential to handle the system, protect your rights, and build a defense to recover your assets.
What defenses are available against forfeiture?
Common defenses include proving an innocent owner (you didn’t know about the illegal activity), demonstrating a legitimate source for the funds, challenging the legality of the search or seizure, or arguing the property is not traceable to a crime.
Related Legal Services: If you are facing related criminal charges, our Burlington County criminal defense lawyers can provide integrated representation. For broader financial legal issues, explore our New Jersey civil litigation hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
Su caso en el condado de Burlington, Nueva Jersey
Los asuntos de inmigración son federales: los casos de deportación de residentes de Nueva Jersey se tramitan en el Tribunal de Inmigración de Newark y las solicitudes las decide USCIS. Los cargos penales del condado que pueden afectar el estatus migratorio se tramitan en la Criminal Part de la Law Division. En el condado de Burlington, ese tribunal es el Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, teléfono (609) 518-2500, abierto de lunes a viernes 8:30AM-4:30PM. Los procedimientos judiciales cambian; confirme el horario vigente en el sitio web oficial del vicinato o con el secretario antes de presentar documentos o comparecer.
La ley aplicable a este tema es la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad federal. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. atiende asuntos del condado de Burlington desde su sede de Nueva Jersey en 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; las reuniones son con cita previa. Solicite una consulta en Nueva Jersey al (888) 437-7747 o al (609) 983-0003.
Páginas relacionadas de Nueva Jersey: Directorio de abogados del condado de Burlington, NJ · Accion para la rendicion de cuentas abogado del condado… · Accion para la rendicion de cuentas abogado del condado….