Civil Asset Forfeiture

Question 1

when can law enforcement permanently seize money/property from someone?

Answer 1

whenever they suspect* it is connected to criminal activity

Question 2

what is civil asset forfeiture?

Answer 2

allows police to seize property they think has been involved in criminal activity

Question 3

how can owners get their property back?

Answer 3

they have to prove IT wasn’t involved in criminal activity

Question 4

big part of its history?

Answer 4

war on drugs

Question 5

what is the justice department equitable sharing program (1984)?

Answer 5

seized assets shared & liquidated between state & federal enforcement authorities

Question 6

transfer what % of assets back?

Answer 6

80%

Question 7

what is standard proof?

Answer 7

preponderance of evidence (pretty certain) – most states

Question 8

some recent changes?

Answer 8

24 states have tightened forfeiture laws, 14 require criminal conviction, few states have abolished civil forfeiture laws

Question 9

what happened in Timbs v. Indiana (2019)?

Answer 9

small time drug dealer, seized his Land Rover cuz they claimed he “used it to sell drugs”

Question 10

what is the story of Mary & Leon Adams?

Answer 10

police seized house cuz grandson sold $60 worth of weed

Question 11

who does civil asset forfeiture laws disproportionately impact?

Answer 11

poor/minorities

Question 12

goofy things departments have used seized money on?

Answer 12

boujee coffee maker, clown for bday party