To protect citizens from unlawful persecution and preserve their privacy, the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits unlawful searches and seizures. Police officers are human, and they sometimes make mistakes or become overzealous when obtaining evidence...
The changes in drug laws over time
You may have seen on the news that marijuana laws have changed in much of the United States and Canada in recent years. Many states have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes -- though there are still restrictions on how to buy it and how much can be...
How can I avoid civil asset forfeiture?
Civil asset forfeiture is notorious for being a questionable way for law enforcement officials to seize property. Law enforcement officials have the right to seize assets that they have reasonable cause to suspect have been involved in a crime. Most commonly, civil...
Did the police have the right to search my car?
It's unfortunately common for people to be pulled over for very minor reasons only to have their vehicle searched and assets seized. Civil asset forfeiture is a surprising law that allows police officers to seize assets if they have a reasonable suspicion that they...
You do have options if your property was unlawfully seized
Alabama is one of the worst states where a cash seizure can happen. State lawmakers claim that their existing asset forfeiture policy is critical to helping put an end to drug trafficking in the state. Some critics of Alabama's approach is more about law enforcement...
The top reason most people interact with the police
When you hear about police officers seizing cash and other assets from civilians, a contentious practice that they often try to blame on alleged drug sales, you may find yourself thinking that the best way to avoid this is to avoid contact with the officers in the...
You need an aggressive attorney to fight asset forfeiture
Imagine working hard all your life to finally save up enough to purchase your first home or a coveted business all in cash. The freedom to act and operate without the restrictions of a mortgage can be enticing for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. But in particular,...
Asset forfeiture: aimed at drug lords or … you?
Here's a quick point to note about state and federal law enforcers' enthusiastic support of the seizure tactic known as asset forfeiture: Proponents from Alabama to Alaska can talk all day about how valuable the practice is. In doing so, they extol the great service...
Asset forfeiture: A bad policy that’s also ineffective
How can an inanimate object be guilty of a crime? If you think the idea sounds absurd, you aren't alone. However, that's the logic behind asset forfeiture laws. Under the laws, your house, car, money, jewelry and just about any other possession you own can be guilty...
Is asset forfeiture common across the United States?
You know that the police can legally seize your assets via a process known as asset forfeiture in Alabama. Maybe they have already done it. They claimed you committed a crime and took the assets due to their alleged connection to that crime. One of the many things...