A California land owner dealing with eminent domain law for the first time may be overwhelmed. The condemnation or acquisition of private property by the government is especially confusing because the power of eminent domain is one held by multiple levels of government. At Peterson Law Group, our federal eminent domain attorneys can help prevent disruption to a property or business when the U.S. government seeks to condemn or acquire the owners' property.
The power of the federal government to acquire property by eminent domain is based on the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that "nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." In most cases, "just compensation" is considered to be the fair market value of the property.
Determining the fair market value of the property should not be left to the appraiser chosen by the government. An independent valuation can reveal a different and significantly higher opinion of fair market value. Since the U.S. Supreme Court has in recent years lengthened the list of things the government must compensate a land owner for taking, an independent valuation that takes these elements into account could significantly benefit a land owner. For example, the presence of land-use regulations that prohibit what would otherwise be a profitable mining venture have been considered "takings" for which the government must compensate affected landowners. The same applies to construction government-owned airports that lower property values on surrounding parcels.
As an AV Rated law firm based on legal ability and ethical standards, Peterson Law Group's federal eminent domain attorneys can help property owners identify federal takings and ensure they are accounted for in federal eminent domain proceedings. Finding an experienced eminent domain attorney with substantial trial jury experience critical when dealing with government agencies with federal eminent domain power.
Although the legislature may approve the use of eminent domain to take private property for public use, that power includes the right to delegate to a federal agency the real work of identifying, evaluating, and obtaining property. The eminent domain attorneys at Peterson Law Group have dealt with a wide variety of state and federal agencies on eminent domain issues. We can help property owners ranging from corporations to small businesses to individuals successfully navigate the confusing federal bureaucracy and protect their land ownership rights.
As in the case of other federal lawsuits, the costs of a federal eminent domain trial may become steep. While Peterson Law Group uses the highest-quality appraisers, we recognize the need for cost-effective litigation and can help you manage the costs of a federal eminent domain case.
Eminent domain cases often result in jury trials. The attorneys of Peterson Law Group have the practical courtroom experience necessary to provide real results. While we believe that anyone who owns or occupies a property subject to eminent domain condemnation should be entitled to the benefits of competent counsel, we are admittedly selective in the cases we choose to represent. We believe our selection criteria enable us to provide attention to the needs of our clients while striving to get the results that our clients deserve.
Peterson Law Group represents property and business owners ranging from major corporations to smaller business and individual owners. Our attorneys include members of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and have represented cases against many public agencies throughout California.
Our Los Angeles eminent domain attorneys welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation and help you assess the merits of your case. Call us today at (213) 236-9720.