[Gay State Conservative]

I think I could support civil forfeiture is some situations *if* written into the law was a provision that if a criminal charge connected to the money/thing (drug dealing,for example) wasn't officially filed within 30 days of the seizure then the money/thing is *automatically* returned.

[OneWingedShark]

I think I could support civil forfeiture is some situations *if* written into the law was a provision that if a criminal charge connected to the money/thing (drug dealing,for example) wasn't officially filed within 30 days of the seizure then the money/thing is *automatically* returned.

Not even then &mdash the Fifth Amendment:

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Taking something without trial like this is theft and calling it a spiffy name "Civil Asset Forfeiture" does not negate that, nor does having it codified in 'law' make it part of due process.

[DannyTN]

If they seize all your money, they can leave you unable to make bail, unable to hire an attorney to fight for your rights. I know somebody that happened to.