Client was charged in federal court with maintaining a drug-involved premises under 21 U.S.C. § 856(a)(2), with criminal forfeiture allegations under 21 U.S.C. § 853. Prosecutors sought forfeiture of the client’s multi‑acre property valued at over $600,000 and threatened significant custody exposure. After extensive litigation, we resolved the case with no jail time, and the client was able to sell the property and keep his equity.
The case arose from an ATF and multi‑agency investigation into a Vista, California property that the government claimed was being used for the storage, use, and distribution of heroin and methamphetamine. Federal prosecutors invoked the so‑called “crack house statute” and filed a parallel criminal forfeiture action seeking to seize the entire property valued at more than $600,000.
Our client faced not only the criminal charge but also the potential loss of his home and land. A conviction could have resulted in both a felony record and complete forfeiture of the property.
We launched a comprehensive defense and forfeiture strategy. We engaged in extensive litigation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office over the scope of criminal forfeiture, challenged the government’s theory and valuation, and negotiated a resolution that allowed our client to sell the property, preserve his equity, and avoid the devastating consequences of outright forfeiture.
The case concluded with no jail time and no forced forfeiture, allowing our client to sell the home and keep the equity he had built.
This result reflects the importance of combining criminal defense with strategic forfeiture litigation in high‑stakes federal property cases.
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Well first of let me start with patrick is number 1 ! He is so motivated in his type of work and very great energy best he is staight forward and 100% real . He wont let you down . In my case that really me and my family thought it be some years witch normally would have but with...
Adair
I recently had a case in riverside county where I was getting charged for domestic violence, entrapment, and other things. When really it was not anything like that at all, I was looking at 4+ years and when I denied that they tried to hit me with a 211 for taking her phone (which she denied ) and give me...
Roberto
Patrick and Samantha were very helpful and answered any question I had during one of the most difficult times in my life. Patrick was able to deal with everything and I never had to step a foot inside the courtroom. Thank god everything was resolved and I’m able to move forward.
Alberto
If you’re looking for the best attorney in San Diego to fight your case, you need to hire Patrick Griffin asap. I was involved in a nightmare situation with an ex girlfriend and Griffin Law Office came to the rescue. When I ended the relationship with my ex and tried to move out she vandalized my property, changed the locks...
Andrew
