Civil asset forfeiture is a practice that is commonly used by law enforcement to confiscate the property of criminal suspects. Police officers and other law enforcement officials at the local, state, and federal levels may seize money, vehicles, or other assets that they believe are connected to criminal activity. This can put people in a difficult position as they attempt to recover their property. In some cases, people who are never charged with crimes or who have not engaged in any criminal activity must wait months or years before their cases can be resolved.
As criminal justice advocates continue to work to address the issue of asset forfeiture, they are seeking to ensure that people’s rights to due process are protected in these cases. The United States Supreme Court is currently considering a case involving civil asset forfeiture, and its decision may determine what rights apply to people in these situations. Regardless of the outcome of this case, those who are looking to recover money or property that has been confiscated by law enforcement can work with an experienced attorney to determine the best ways to recover their assets and protect their rights.
Culley v. Attorney General of Alabama and Due Process Rights
According to the Institute for Justice, billions of dollars in assets are confiscated by law enforcement officials every year throughout the United States. In 2018, around $3 billion was seized by officials in 42 states and the District of Columbia, as well as officials working for the federal Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury.
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