Being subject to asset forfeiture often feels unfair and unjust to those who have been affected by it, and sometimes, it is. Unfortunately, asset forfeiture, the practice by law enforcement officials of seizing assets that are suspected to be involved in a crime, is a...
Why asset forfeiture doesn’t effectively fight crime
Law enforcement officials are permitted to seize assets that they have reasonable suspicion to believe have been involved in a crime. When these assets have been seized, the proceeds can be used to fund the police force. This strategy is justified through the argument...
What is administrative asset forfeiture?
If your assets have been seized by law enforcement officials in the name of asset forfeiture, you are likely feeling confused, frustrated and perhaps angered. Asset forfeiture can often happen during the attempted importation of goods or when it is believed that...
The three types of asset forfeiture
Law enforcement officials have the right to seize assets in certain situations. As a private individual or as a business owner, you will likely believe that being subject to asset forfeiture is unfair or unjust. Unfortunately, the law enables this activity as a way to...
When is a traffic stop search and seizure illegal?
Law enforcement officials in Alabama see the prevention and prosecution of drugged driving as a priority. Drugged driving can put innocent people on the road in danger. However, law enforcement officials are arguably incentivized to initiate traffic stops and seize...
Horrific abuses rampant in state’s civil asset seizure laws
It was like something out of a Third World banana republic. Yet it happened right here in Alabama. The Randolph County Sheriff's Department deputies showed up at the Woodland couple's home, kicked in their door, tossed a flashbang grenade at the husband that affected...
What is civil asset forfeiture?
Suspected criminals are subject to having their assets seized through a somewhat mysterious process known as civil forfeiture. While highly controversial, civil forfeiture laws were designed to make it harder for organized crime and drug traffickers to ply their trade...
Asset seizure by states decided by the Supreme Court
The government has long asserted that it has the right to seize assets that are related to a person's criminal activity, but the United States Supreme Court just dealt a blow to states that are making this claim. A recent ruling notes that states can't impose...
