civil asset forfeiture attorney

Published on: July 28, 2019

Michigan Civil Asset Forfeiture Netted $15 Million in 2018

According to a record sourced from the Michigan State Police, police seized almost $15 million in property and cash from more than 6,000 individuals in 2018. About $13.4 million of the seized cash went to police budgets, sources allege.

Since 1978, Michigan Police has been using a legal instrument called civil asset forfeiture law that allows them to seize property which has been linked to certain criminal activity. The owner of the seized property does not even need to be guilty or convicted for the law enforcement to take over their valuables.

Published on: May 30, 2019

Spa Prostitution Case: Police Seize Homes, Cars, and Money

by Brian Silber

Police have filed civil asset forfeiture actions against at least three individuals who have all been charged with their alleged involvement in a prostitution investigation in Marin County, Florida.

In February of this year, after an eight-month investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies (including several law enforcement agencies from Orange County to Palm Beach together with the IRS and Homeland Security), six women were charged for their part in an alleged prostitution ring which operated in massage parlors in the area. Around 100 men have also been arrested for allegedly visiting the massage parlors.
Continue reading

Published on: March 22, 2018

Wyoming Bans Process Used to Take Innocent Man’s Money

by Brian Silber

The Wyoming state legislature has passed a bill outlawing a process where law enforcement in the state would encourage people to sign away the rights to their property during roadside searches.

The bill passed with bipartisan support in both chambers of the Wyoming legislature and has now been signed into law. It will come into effect on July 1 and is designed to stop abuses of civil asset forfeiture law. Continue reading

Published on: March 16, 2018

Michigan Legislators Seek Reform of Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws

by Brian Silber

A series of bills currently working their way through the Michigan Legislature are designed to reform the state’s civil asset forfeiture laws. One bill, HB 4158, was introduced in 2017 by State Rep Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Township). It would require a criminal conviction before property suspected of being involved in a crime could be seized.

If passed, the law would apply to property valued under $50,000. As a result, this bill would cover almost all instances of civil asset forfeiture in Michigan and so would give an additional layer of protection to citizens. It would not apply the higher-ticket items usually associated with drug racketeering.

Published on: March 8, 2018

Indiana Moves Closer to Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform

by Brian Silber

Legislators in Indiana have passed SB 99, a bill updating aspects of Indiana’s civil asset forfeiture procedures. If governor Eric Holcomb signs it into law, changes could come into effect as soon as July this year.

Support in both houses of the Indiana Legislature was unanimous. The bill is designed to improve protections for property owners in the event of their property being seized as part of a civil asset forfeiture action.