You should consult with an attorney. You need specific legal advice. You should privately consult with an attorney if you need specific legal advice. Most attorneys provide free initial consultations. Governmental procurement of private property is a very significant constitutional issue. Private property rights are not absolute. The government has certain rights to seize private property or negotiate the purchase of private property. If the property was allegedly used as part of some type of criminal activity, a person's rights and responsibilities are very different. However, assuming there was no seizure related to a criminal complaint, the government usually tries to negotiate a private sale. Speaking generally, the government prefers to negotiate the sale of private property without utilizing the court system. However, if a landowner refuses to sell, the government may utilize "eminent domain" i.e., a governmental "taking" of property if they are trying to obtain private property for a public project such as thoroughfare. However, their authority is limited and they usually required to provide adequate compensation to the original property holder. Generally, this is a civil matter and the police are not usually involved unless the property is involved in some type of criminal behavior or if there a judicial enforcement issue regarding a pending court-order. I would strongly recommend that you obtain legal council to assist you with these matters. The eminent domain laws are very complex but you may have a constitutional legal issue that could result in significant litigation.
Answered on Jul 07th, 2011 at 1:54 PM