Indiana Solicitor General: It's Constitutional to Seize a Car for Driving 5 MPH Over the Speed Limit
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer elicited a shocking response during Wednesday's oral argument in a big civil asset forfeiture case.
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer elicited a shocking response during Wednesday's oral argument in a big civil asset forfeiture case.
The Court seems very likely to rule that the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment applies to state governments, and that at least some asset forfeitures violate the Clause. Potentially a big win for property rights and civil liberties.
The Supreme Court should make it clear that state forfeitures are constrained by the Excessive Fines Clause.
The case both addresses important legal issues, and could have substantial practical implications.
Cases in which a majority of the Court fell down on the job.
The ruling is a major win for Backpage founders James Larkin and Michael Lacey, as well as a strike against government overreach.
A legal settlement guarantees reforms to what was once one of America's most egregious asset forfeiture programs.
After two years of fighting in court, a California couple is getting back $53,000 that was seized from them through asset forfeiture.
It's not a crime to travel with lots of cash. But you still might be treated like a criminal.
If accepted by other courts, the judge's reasoning could curb a variety of other state and federal asset forfeiture policies that threaten the property rights of innocent people.
A new ruling says the city's civil forfeiture program violates the right to due process.
"There is a realistic possibility that forfeiture officials' judgement will be distorted by the prospect of institutional gain."
Now the Justice Department wants the money back, calling the purchase "extravagant."
The government's definition of "prompt" is a little different from everyone else's, especially when it comes to asset forfeiture.
Thanks to a new state law, agencies now have to report how extensively civil asset forfeiture is used to take people's stuff.
"I felt that the glitter on the seized cash was compelling evidence, but apparently the police department disagreed."
The case will decide whether the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment applies to the states. If so, it will also have to address how much it restricts asset forfeiture.
The justices will hear oral arguments next term in Timbs v. Indiana.
A state audit finds the Aloha State isn't keeping track of the stuff it seizes.
Rustem Kazazi was victimized by desperadoes from a gang called "Customs and Border Patrol," but thanks to the Institute for Justice he's fighting back.
CBP won't return the cash unless the owner signs an illegal waiver.
Despite the misuse, nobody involved questions that corrupt mentality that led to asset forfeiture in the first place.
How a uniquely punitive city impound program combined with the drug war and asset forfeiture to deprive people of their vehicles for years at a time.
Albuquerque tried to ignore strict new state reforms and keep seizing cars, but then it messed with the wrong person.
Kansas police spend millions in asset forfeiture revenue under vague, lax laws. Now they'll have to open their books.
The Department of Justice's loophole lets officials seize property without having to get a conviction.
Lawmakers are considering long-overdue civil asset forfeiture reform, and law enforcement leaders aren't happy.
"Without this information, we're all left in the dark."
Armed robbery, extortion...and keeping the money for themselves.
A new bill introduced by state lawmakers would require a criminal conviction for the government to keep someone's property.
U.S. prosecutors in Northern Georgia alone helped collect millions in asset forfeiture actions, civil and criminal fines last year.
"DEA's use of proceeds acquired through civil asset forfeiture to expand marijuana enforcement makes the already unacceptable practice even worse."
More than 3,800 Bitcoin will be auctioned on January 22, including those taken from vendors on cryptomarkets like SilkRoad and AlphaBay.
In his first days in office, the activist turned prosecutor has dismissed 31 career staff.
The congressman leaves with a mixed record.
Less pretrial jail, more forfeiture restrictions
Motorists have found alternate routes, and now the townspeople may lose their police force.
He's more than happy to engage in power grabs when it helps his agenda.
Georgia passed some asset forfeiture reforms in 2015. Can it join 14 other states that require a conviction before police can keep people's stuff?
The quick resolution of Phil Parhamovich's case shows once again that standing up to money-grabbing bullies can pay off.
Wyoming's roadside waivers are a thin disguise for highway robbery.
And it might be coming to a U.S. Marshals auction listing near you.
One Suffolk County prosecutor, facing criminal charges for covering up the beating of a suspect, received $70,000 in bonuses.
Bennis v. Michigan should be overruled.
And he's running for sheriff of an Illinois county.
The city earns more than $2 million a year grabbing more than 1,800 vehicles.