Mohr Hackett has tried numerous condemnation cases to completion before juries in the State of Arizona. Condemnation is the process of taking private property for public use through the power of eminent domain. When private property is taken by a governmental agency or other entity authorized by a state or federal constitution to condemn property, such as a utility, the owner of the condemned property is entitled to receive just compensation for the taking.
Examples of public uses for which governmental agencies may condemn private property range from relatively small road widenings to land to be condemned for major public works projects, such as schools, sport arenas, government buildings, parks, dams, and canals. Many times the condemning authorities’ best and final offer to the affected landowner is substantially less than the landowner believes is just compensation, and these cases must be tried before a court or jury to determine the amount of just compensation to be paid.
Determination of just compensation can be a complicated process, with differences in expert opinions on issues such as highest and best use, comparable sales data analysis, and valuation of existing improvements. Mohr Hackett works closely with its clients and expert witnesses, such as appraisers, engineers, architects, economists, and accountants, to enhance and maximize the amount of the condemnation recovery.