Asset Forfeiture

Asset forfeiture is a legal means by which federal and state laws allow for the seizure and eventual forfeiture of property connected to and/or integrated in some manner with criminal activity. These laws were created for two reasons: first, to give law enforcement a tool to weaken criminal actions, and second, to provide law enforcement agencies with a potential revenue stream to assist in further combating crime. 

Forfeiture has been successfully used to target a variety of crime issues, ranging from illegal drug sales and street racing to nuisance properties and drunk driving. Asset forfeiture can also help agencies offset the costs of reducing crime through laws that permit them to receive forfeiture proceeds and make equitable sharing arrangements. Asset forfeiture is also a controversial practice. 

However, with due diligence and attention to appropriate codes of professional conduct, law enforcement officials can implement asset forfeiture programs that meet all legal requirements, protect property owners' rights, and effectively target criminal activity.

This course will examine the theories and different types of forfeitures, compare and contrast federal versus state laws, lay out the benefits and criticisms of forfeiture, and identify the problems for which forfeiture is a remedy.