There is a place for civil asset forfeiture in the law enforcement tool box but as it is implemented these days begs for reform. IMHO any CAF action should be approved by a judge before taken or if the action had to be invoked because of extenuating circumstances (target is fleeing), at least reviewed by a judge promptly after the fact.
Agree, and if the judge so orders, the asset should be returned.
I think it’s pretty clear what was going on in this instance.
It shouldn’t happen until a GUILTY verdict, period.