Did you know that in Texas, law enforcement agencies have the authority to seize your property even if you haven’t been convicted of a criminal offense? In many cases, they don’t even need to get a search warrant beforehand. This civil asset forfeiture process allows homes, personal and company vehicles, real estate, cash, bank accounts, and even cryptocurrency like Bitcoin to be taken if officials suspect a connection to criminal activity.
If you’ve recently moved to Houston from a state like Maine or New Mexico (where this type of asset seizure can only happen after a criminal conviction), having your property unexpectedly taken is unsettling. Even those who have lived in Texas most or all of their lives are stunned when law enforcement agencies seize their vehicle or cash during a roadside stop, citing a connection to illegal activity or criminal organization.
Understanding the main reasons why these police searches and seizures occur can help you protect yourself and reclaim your property. This guide explains the five most common grounds authorities use in Houston, what they could mean for you, and how legal representation from a criminal defense attorney can help.
Reason #1: Alleged Drug Activity
Property allegedly linked to drug trafficking is a common target for forfeiture in Houston. For example, officers may do a cash seizure if they suspect it came from drug sales, or take company vehicles supposedly used to move narcotics. Your home could also be seized if Texas law enforcement believes the property was used to store or distribute drugs.
One well-known case in the Houston area involved Ameal Woods, who in 2019 had his life savings seized during a traffic stop. The Harris County District Attorney claimed the money was linked to drug activity, even though Woods wasn’t ticketed or subjected to criminal charges at the time. His case highlights how easily property can be taken under asset forfeiture laws, leaving you to fight for its return.
Reason #2: Money Laundering Allegations
You risk losing property when officials believe it was used to disguise or move illicit funds, a process known as money laundering. Examples include large cash deposits, shell companies funneling money, or purchases made with funds that appear to come from illegal sources. Bank accounts, real estate, or other high-value assets have all been seized for this reason, forcing their owners to prove they were lawfully obtained.
One widely reported Texas case involved Houston police stopping a tractor-trailer. According to the Texas Tribune, officers found more than $1.2 million hidden in a truck and seized the cash under suspicion of drug and money laundering activity. The driver claimed no knowledge of the cash, yet the Harris County District Attorney moved forward with civil asset forfeiture.
Reason #3: Weapons and Firearms Offenses
If law enforcement believes a property is connected with illegal weapons activity, they may seize it under Texas civil forfeiture laws. For instance, police might confiscate a vehicle if they say it transported firearms used in a crime, or confiscate a house allegedly used to store illicit weapons. Even if you weren’t directly involved in the weapons offense, your property may still be at risk if authorities tie it to criminal activity.
In James R. Irons v. State (2009), a Texas appellate court denied a man’s request to have his firearms returned after they were seized during a criminal investigation. The court ruled he hadn’t shown ownership at the time of seizure, so the state kept the weapons. Similar civil asset forfeiture disputes have reached the Texas Supreme Court, which has also weighed in on how property rights are balanced against the state’s forfeiture powers.
Reason #4: Fraud and White-Collar Crime
Fraud cases often involve large amounts of money, which makes them a frequent target for civil forfeiture. Authorities may target property connected to criminal activity like health care fraud, wire fraud, or identity theft. Homes purchased with alleged fraudulent funds, vehicles linked to the activity, or accounts holding disputed deposits are all vulnerable.
A recent Houston case shows how this works. In 2024, Dr. David Jenson and his business partner were indicted in a $45 million Medicare fraud scheme involving “skin substitute” treatments. Texas law enforcement agencies and the Harris County District Attorney sought to seize bank funds, cryptocurrency, and other assets allegedly tied to the scheme.
Reason #5: Property Connected to an Arrest or Investigation
Property can be seized simply because it’s tied to an arrest, even if it isn’t directly connected to drugs, weapons, or fraud. It can also be taken under the plain view doctrine, which allows officers to seize items they believe are linked to criminal activity if those items are clearly visible during a lawful stop or arrest.
Authorities argue that seizing these assets prevents them from being used in future crimes. In practice, this can lead to property owners being swept up in civil forfeiture cases even when no criminal charges are laid against them. Not only is your property taken, but you’re expected to provide proof of ownership in civil court if you want to get it back.
One case reported by the Texas Tribune highlights this issue. In 2017, law enforcement in Harris County seized nearly $300,000 from a man during a traffic stop after an arrest on unrelated grounds. He was not convicted of any drug crime, but the District Attorney claimed the cash was tied to criminal activity.
Protecting Your Property Rights in Houston
Property seizures in Houston and across Harris County can leave you without access to cash, vehicles, or even your home while a case moves through the criminal justice system. Police and prosecutors tend to act without warning, often seizing property during or after the execution of a search warrant, and then asserting they had probable cause. You now have the burden of proof to show that your property wasn’t tied to criminal activity.
You have the right to challenge a seizure through a forfeiture lawsuit, but success depends on the evidence supporting your claim. In many cases, the government argues it acted on probable cause, which means you’ll need to show why that standard wasn’t met. By taking action and speaking to a Houston civil asset forfeiture attorney, you can avoid a default judgment and increase the likelihood of the property being returned.
Amanda Skillern is a Houston civil forfeiture attorney who dedicates her practice to criminal defense and civil asset forfeiture cases. She began her legal career as a prosecutor in Harris County, where she gained experience handling drug, fraud, and property seizure cases. Today, she uses that background to defend clients whose property has been taken under forfeiture laws.
Speak to a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Today
When Texas law enforcement officers seize your property, the clock starts ticking. Every day that passes makes it harder to challenge their claims and recover what you’ve lost. Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer gives you the strongest opportunity to protect your rights.
At the Law Office of Amanda Skillern, we know how prosecutors build forfeiture cases and how to challenge them. Amanda has stood on both sides of the courtroom and now defends property owners across Houston and Harris County. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming what belongs to you.
Related:
What Types of Crimes Involve Forfeiture of Assets?
Common Ways People Win (or Reduce Exposure) in Vehicle Forfeiture Cases
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