Condemnation & Cash Forfeiture
If your cash, goods and/or vehicles have been seized by HM Revenue and Customers (HMRC) or the Border Force under the Excise Management Act 1979, your legal representation is usually at your own expense. It is not eligible for Legal Aid. Condemnation proceedings are a civil matter and will wait until any associated criminal proceedings are completed. So challenging a seizure can take several months.
How we can help
Members of Becket Chambers Criminal Team have extensive experience in this area. We provide advice and representation in all aspects of civil proceedings relating to condemnation and cash forfeiture. We can also advise and represent you where cash or goods have been seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Our expertise
Under the Direct Public Access scheme, our barristers can help in cases relating to:
- Condemnation cases involving excise goods (tobacco and/or alcohol) and/or vehicles that have been intercepted and seized by the HMRC or the Border Force
- Cash forfeiture (where cash in your possession has been deemed to be the proceeds of criminal activity, for the purposes of crime, or related to money laundering)
As well as acting for defendants in these cases, we act for the Border Force and HMRC, so we have in-depth knowledge and experience of how these authorities operate. We can provide oral and written advice regarding your situation and the prospective outcome of your case, as well as representing you in court. Many of our barristers have experience of working with clients who need the additional help of an interpreter.