[PA] [PA] Can my friend get a grant to pay a federal penalty so she can reclaim seized family jewelry?
I am trying to get funds for a friend.
18
6
Solved
This is a complicated situation involving a federal court, a financial penalty to reclaim seized property (the jewelry), and allegations of smuggling (18 U.S.C. § 981). Getting a grant to cover a personal financial penalty like this is extremely rare. Typical government or charitable grants almost never pay individual legal penalties, especially related to federal asset seizures.
Most federal and state grants are for education, business development, social services, or similar public-benefit purposes. The $6,000 your friend still needs is effectively part of a legal penalty tied to federal asset forfeiture. That kind of expense doesn’t fit what grant-making organizations usually fund. There is no standard federal, state, or nonprofit grant program designed to pay the cost of reclaiming a seized family heirloom from a federal court.
Because of this, more realistic options are:
- Seeking legal aid or pro bono help in Pennsylvania to confirm the $20,000 figure and see if there are legal options (like a petition for remission or mitigation) to reduce or modify the penalty (28 C.F.R. Part 9).
- Exploring community or private help—such as crowdfunding (GoFundMe, etc.) and local community or religious organizations that sometimes assist with emergency financial needs.
- As a last resort, considering a small personal loan (possibly with a co-signer) if the jewelry’s value significantly exceeds the penalty.
The first step should be for your friend to speak with a Pennsylvania legal aid organization or an attorney who handles federal asset forfeiture, to verify her options and make sure she’s pursuing the correct legal path to reclaim the jewelry. I hope the information I provided was helpful. If there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
0
Full Conversation
I am trying to get funds for a friend.
What type of funds are you trying to secure for your friend?
$6,000.
Is this related to a loan, a grant, or some other form of financial assistance?
Grant.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
No.
Hello, I’m Jon, a licensed attorney. Can you please tell me which state you and your friend are located in?
I am in Florida, my friend is in Pennsylvania.
Thanks. Is your friend seeking a grant for a specific purpose, such as education, business, medical expenses, or something else?
To retain a piece of jewelry that has been in the family for generations.
Got it. Is the jewelry currently being held by a third party, like a pawn shop or lender, or is it still in your friend's possession?
It seems that when her great-grandfathers brought it in it was not declared and is now declared smuggled, and a federal judge placed a $20,000 price on making it legal and she has only been able to raise $14,000.
Thanks. Is your friend facing any criminal charges related to the alleged smuggling, or is this strictly a financial penalty to legalize the jewelry?
The court is holding it.
Understood. Is there anything else you’d like to add before I give you my answer?
Not that I can think of.
This is a complicated situation involving a federal court, a financial penalty to reclaim seized property (the jewelry), and allegations of smuggling (18 U.S.C. § 981). Getting a grant to cover a personal financial penalty like this is extremely rare. Typical government or charitable grants almost never pay individual legal penalties, especially related to federal asset seizures.
Most federal and state grants are for education, business development, social services, or similar public-benefit purposes. The $6,000 your friend still needs is effectively part of a legal penalty tied to federal asset forfeiture. That kind of expense doesn’t fit what grant-making organizations usually fund. There is no standard federal, state, or nonprofit grant program designed to pay the cost of reclaiming a seized family heirloom from a federal court.
Because of this, more realistic options are:
- Seeking legal aid or pro bono help in Pennsylvania to confirm the $20,000 figure and see if there are legal options (like a petition for remission or mitigation) to reduce or modify the penalty (28 C.F.R. Part 9).
- Exploring community or private help—such as crowdfunding (GoFundMe, etc.) and local community or religious organizations that sometimes assist with emergency financial needs.
- As a last resort, considering a small personal loan (possibly with a co-signer) if the jewelry’s value significantly exceeds the penalty.
The first step should be for your friend to speak with a Pennsylvania legal aid organization or an attorney who handles federal asset forfeiture, to verify her options and make sure she’s pursuing the correct legal path to reclaim the jewelry. I hope the information I provided was helpful. If there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Jon
556 satisfied customers
5 lawyers online now
9
3
Answered 1 week ago
10
3
Answered 2 weeks ago
Disclaimer
By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.
The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.
Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
