Charlotte Eminent Domain Lawyer

Experienced Eminent Domain Attorney in Charlotte, NC

Should a light rail project, road widening, airport development, or similar public undertaking impact your property, reaching out to a Charlotte eminent domain lawyer could clarify your rights under North Carolina law. DAS Law Group in North Carolina can explain your rights as a property owner. While the government can seize private property for public use, there are limits to what it can take.

Homeowners, business owners, and private landowners should know their rights if a government agency tries to take their land. You have rights, and you deserve just compensation if your property is needed for a public project.

Local Considerations

Eminent domain has become more common in Charlotte as the city expands. Whether your property is near I-77, I-85, I-485, or the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, you may be affected by a condemnation action.

Eminent domain lawyers in Charlotte have seen numerous cases that have been filed in and around Mecklenburg County. Many of these cases are prosecuted in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, located at 832 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

The Eminent Domain Process in Charlotte

It’s worth noting that an eminent domain case can often be in motion prior to any direct communication from a government representative or agent about a potential sale. Major projects, like light rail extensions, road widening, and public transportation initiatives around Charlotte, may be in the planning stages for years before approaching property owners about purchasing land.

An agent typically visits the property owner, inspects the land, orders an appraisal, and makes an offer. Once approved, many property owners believe that the first offer is the greatest offer they may get. This is not always true in North Carolina.

Under state eminent domain statutes, most property owners are entitled to see the purchase offer and counter if they believe that it doesn’t reflect the property’s true market value. This could present a significant problem if your property’s value has surged recently, especially in a developing part of Charlotte, like Uptown, South End, NoDa, or University City.

Hire an Eminent Domain Lawyer

The core objective for government representatives and their agents is securing your land for their planned project. Sometimes, appraisals miss certain factors that could add value to your property. Should the government only seize part of your land, and the development would impact your property’s access, visibility, parking, or capacity for future growth, seeking legal counsel before agreeing might be wise.

Owners often feel rushed to make a decision when an offer comes in. Taking a closer look at the appraisal, comparable sales, and consequences of the taking may help you decide if the offered compensation is fair. A Charlotte eminent domain attorney can identify any issues with the proposed offer. Hire an eminent domain lawyer today.

Common Compensation Disputes in an Eminent Domain Case

Disputes over compensation are a huge part of most eminent domain cases. Whether it’s a difference in opinion between you and the government’s appraiser on the property’s highest and greatest use or any loss of property not being taken by the government, compensation can be argued.

If your land is near one of Charlotte’s growing transit corridors or a major highway such as I-77, I-85, or I-485, it may have developmental potential that your original appraisal doesn’t take into account.

Sometimes, the issue may not be the value of the land taken but how the project may impact the remainder of your property. If you are a business owner, you may lose drive-thru access or other customer conveniences. If you are a homeowner, a project may affect your privacy, traffic flow, or usable backyard space. While these may seem like indirect effects of eminent domain, they can become compensable issues.

About DAS Law Group

Together, the attorneys at DAS Law Group have over 100 years of experience in advocating on behalf of property owners across Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the rest of North Carolina. We know how frustrating it can be to have your property impacted by a government project.

Eminent domain land condemnations for the sake of planned development of schools, parks, stadiums, or airport expansions are often shown to be unfair to landowners. In one eminent domain dispute handled by DAS Law Group, a jury verdict of $530,000 defied the airport’s previous determination that a piece of land, including a lake, was worth only $26,000. This verdict was upheld on appeal as well.

Although our past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they showcase our ability to assert the rights of our clients.

DAS Law Group Can Help

Achieving justice for landowners victimized by eminent domain is a motivating force for the land condemnation law attorneys of DAS Law Group. Contact the firm to schedule an initial consultation regarding any North Carolina pending land condemnation or eminent domain proceedings. We understand eminent domain laws and can represent you throughout your case.