When someone faces criminal charges, particularly in high-profile cases, it’s common to wonder what will happen to their home, bank accounts, or other property if they are convicted and sentenced. In Texas, the fate of your assets during and after incarceration can be affected by several factors, including asset forfeiture laws, financial planning before incarceration, and the complexity of criminal cases.

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At GSB Law, PLLC – The Boling Law Firm, led by the highly experienced Gregory Scott Boling, a seasoned Denton criminal defense lawyer, we not only help you navigate the criminal justice system but also provide strategic counsel on protecting your property and assets. With our extensive knowledge of Texas law, we can guide you on how the state views your property during incarceration and how a criminal defense attorney in Denton, TX can assist.

Understanding Asset Forfeiture in Texas: A Source of Reassurance

One of the most critical concerns in criminal cases is asset forfeiture, which allows the state to seize property connected to criminal activity. In Texas, asset forfeiture is often pursued in cases involving drug charges, organized crime, or money laundering. This process can be financially devastating for defendants, as the government can seize:

• Real estate, such as homes and land
• Bank accounts, retirement accounts, or other financial assets
• Vehicles, including cars, boats, or planes
• Personal belongings, such as jewelry, artwork, or other valuables

If you are facing charges related to drugs, for instance, a drug possession lawyer in Denton can help determine if your property may be at risk of forfeiture.

What Types of Crimes Can Lead to Asset Forfeiture?

In Texas, the state has broad authority to seize assets in cases involving:

• Drug offenses: A significant focus of Texas law enforcement, drug-related crimes often lead to asset forfeiture if the state believes the property is connected to illegal drug activities. If you’re arrested on a drug charge, a Denton criminal defense lawyer like Greg Boling can help you challenge such seizures.
• White-collar crimes: In fraud, embezzlement, or other financial crimes, assets like bank accounts and real estate may be targeted for forfeiture.
• DWI/DUI cases: While less common, in severe DWI or DUI cases involving property damage or repeat offenses, the state might attempt to seize vehicles used during the crime. An experienced Denton DWI attorney or DUI lawyer in Denton, TX can fight to protect your property in these situations.

General Asset Management During Incarceration: Taking Control

Even if your property is not subject to forfeiture, incarceration presents other challenges in managing real estate, bank accounts, and personal assets. With a solid plan, your financial situation could stay stable. Here’s what you need to know:

What Happens to Your Home?

If you own a home and are sentenced to prison, your ability to manage that property becomes limited. Mortgage payments, property taxes, and home maintenance must be handled, and with proper planning, you could avoid foreclosure.

A criminal defense attorney in Denton, TX, like Greg Boling, can help by advising you on ways to:

1. Transfer property: You may want to transfer your property into the name of a trusted family member or set up a trust to ensure your home is protected while you’re incarcerated.
2. Power of attorney: Granting someone power of attorney allows them to make financial decisions on your behalf, such as managing mortgage payments, property taxes, or selling the home if necessary.

What About Bank Accounts and Financial Assets?

Similarly, if you have bank accounts, retirement funds, or other financial investments, they must be managed while you’re away. Incarceration can make it difficult to access and control these accounts. You may need to designate someone who can manage your finances or even create a financial plan for the duration of your sentence.

Having an attorney like Greg Boling, who understands the financial impacts of incarceration, is crucial to securing your financial future. He can assist in setting up legal mechanisms like:

• Joint accounts: Adding a trusted person as a co-owner of your bank accounts allows them to manage those funds on your behalf.
• Setting up trusts: A trust can ensure your financial assets are managed for your or your family’s benefit while you’re serving time.

Legal Help from a Denton Criminal Defense Lawyer: Providing Security

In Texas, navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming, especially when your financial future is at stake. This is where an experienced Denton criminal defense lawyer, like Greg Boling, comes in. Here’s how The Boling Law Firm can help:

1. Fighting Asset Forfeiture: If you’re facing asset forfeiture, Greg Boling will thoroughly investigate the case to challenge the seizure of your property. The state must prove that the assets are directly linked to criminal activity, and a skilled defense attorney can contest weak or unsupported claims.
2. Financial Planning: Whether you’re facing criminal charges involving drug possession, domestic violence, or any other felony, it’s important to plan for what happens to your assets during incarceration. Greg Boling can advise you on setting up legal protections for your home, bank accounts, and personal belongings.
3. Post-Conviction Asset Management: Even after a conviction, there are legal ways to protect your property. For example, if you’re eligible for an appeal, the Boling Law Firm can work on your behalf to delay asset seizures or plan for future financial security.

Protecting Your Property with The Boling Law Firm

If you’re facing criminal charges in Texas, it’s important to understand how incarceration or asset forfeiture laws may affect your home, bank accounts, and personal property. At GSB Law, PLLC – The Boling Law Firm, Greg Boling is a top-rated Denton criminal defense attorney who provides comprehensive legal defense and asset protection strategies. Whether you’re looking for a theft defense attorney, assault defense lawyer, or guidance on managing your finances while serving a sentence, Greg Boling is here to help.

Conclusion

Being convicted of a crime in Texas can impact more than just your freedom—it can also put your home, bank accounts, and other assets at risk. The Boling Law Firm in Denton, led by Gregory Scott Boling, specializes in criminal defense and asset protection. With years of experience as a criminal justice attorney in Denton, Greg Boling helps clients fight criminal charges and protect their financial future. Contact the Boling Law Firm today to learn how you can safeguard your property and prepare for any legal challenges ahead. Contact Us today.