What are forfeiture laws?
The rise of cases involving cash and property forfeiture represents an alarming trend in American justice. The law allows our government to confiscate property suspected of use in a crime; however, this power is often abused and misused. Civil asset forfeiture occurs when the government seizes an individual’s personal property or money and permanent legal title is subsequently transferred to the state or federal government. The primary function of asset forfeiture is to allow the government to confiscate personal property allegedly used or gained in the commission of a crime, particularly federal white-collar crimes such as fraud and embezzlement. The actual guilt or innocence of the property owner is inconsequential in these actions. Large amounts of cash and vehicles are routinely seized by authorities investigating drug dealing on the grounds that the cash and other property were gained through illegal activities. Due process of law – including the basic rights to an attorney, to tr
