Civil asset forfeiture

Published on: February 22, 2021

Owner of Vehicle Seized After IL Shooting Seeks Recourse

The owner of the vehicle involved in the shooting and wounding of a Joliet, IL bouncer on December 13 is now trying to reclaim his seized car by the State Attorney.

Bryson Lee Carter, 26, resident of Iowa Avenue, was arrested in connection to the non-fatal shooting of a man working as bouncer at Anthony’s Pub & Restaurant. The 2017 silver Chevrolet Malibu used during the shooting is registered under Carter’s name. However, Carter told police that one of his passengers shot at the bouncer, sources indicate.

Published on: February 19, 2021

Rapper NBA Youngboy Arrested on Suspected Drug Charges; 14 Firearms and $79,000 Seized by Police

by Brian Silber

Rapper NBA Youngboy was arrested on suspected drug charges in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, last Monday during a raid by Baton Rouge Police and the FBI. The Baton Rouge Street Crimes Division claims they received an anonymous tip about individuals brandishing guns in an abandoned lot. During the raid, 16 people were arrested and $79,000 was seized through civil asset forfeiture.

While the anonymous tip concerned weapons, the accused rapper was ultimately arrested on drug possession charges. NBA’s lawyer claims that not only did his client not have any illegal substances on him during the raid, but he was also unarmed. While only one illegal weapon was found during the raid, police and FBI seized a total of 14 firearms and $79,000 in cash.

Published on: February 18, 2021

Minnesota’s Property Forfeiture Law Revised to Include Higher Minimum Threshold

by Brian Silber

Civil asset forfeiture is a popular topic for lawmakers right now. In Minnesota, Shoreview’s Democratic Rep. Kelly Moller increased the minimum threshold of money seized to $1,500 unless the money is unquestionably connected with illegal drugs. The bill also puts aside storage charges for vehicles and other filing charges so that people can reclaim their assets without paying high fees.

The recommended modifications to Minnesota’s property forfeiture law obtained preliminary endorsement from the state House committee. Proponents of the law say it includes prudent guidelines that will benefit low-income citizens.

Published on: February 17, 2021

What the German Seizure of Bitcoins Worth $65 Million Tells Us About Cryptocurrencies and Law Enforcement

by Brian Silber

German authorities have seized 1,700 bitcoins belonging to a convicted hacker, but they’ve run into an unexpected problem—they can’t access the cryptocurrency.

The hacker was convicted in April 2014 for computer fraud, among other charges. He allegedly covertly installed software on other people’s computers to mine bitcoin, which he kept for himself. He was sentenced to more than two years in prison.

Published on: February 15, 2021

“I’m Not a Cat,” Civil Asset Forfeiture Attorney Declares in Virtual Court Hearing Gone Wrong

by Brian Silber

A Texas attorney who was setting up for a civil forfeiture hearing in Presidio County, TX, hadn’t expected his Zoom call to become a viral sensation.

It was a hearing like any other, except for the lawyer who couldn’t figure out how to turn off the cat filter on his Zoom call during a hearing in Texas’ 394th Judicial District Court. A clip of the incident featuring the fluffy grey feline has since gone viral.