[robertpaulsen]

"In one highly publicized case that occurred in 1991, federal authorities at the Nashville airport took more than $9,000 in cash from Willie Jones, a black landscaper who was flying to Houston in order to purchase shrubs. According to the police, that money could have been used to purchase drugs. After spending thousands of dollars and two years on the case, the landscaper was able to convince the courts to return most of the seized cash."

In 2000, Congress passed CAFRA, which substantially changed the federal asset forfeiture laws. The government would have to file within 90 days, and the government now has the burden of proof (not the defendant). Also, Willie would have received his cash back, plus interest, and the federal government would have been responsible for his legal expenses.

The new laws corrected much of the past abuses. However, if you want to focus on these old stories, fine. When you're done, then we can talk about the history of slavery in the United States too.

[DumpsterDiver]

2000, Congress passed CAFRA, which substantially changed the federal asset forfeiture laws.

Does CAFRA apply to each state's local law enforcement or only to federal agents?

The government would have to file within 90 days, and the government now has the burden of proof (not the defendant).

The government would have to file what within 90 days, charges aginst the person? Can they seize and hold on to the money during that 90 day period?