Civil Asset Forfeiture

What is Civil Asset Forfeiture?

A law that allows law enforcement officials to permanently seize property that they say has been involved in a crime, generally without due process of law to the owner. Police can seize your car, home, money, or valuables without bringing criminal charges. Deeply controversial and highly criticized police practice.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Constitutional Law terms:

• Mere Suspicion

Reviewed by

Stephanie Bagnall

Licensed Attorney and Legal Researcher

Stephanie Bagnall is a Georgia-licensed attorney and legal researcher with experience in accessibility law, compliance, employment law, and legal writing. She helps develop and review BarPrepHero's Legal Terms content for clarity, accuracy, and usefulness to bar exam students.

View Stephanie on LinkedIn