Criminal Justice Reform National Series | Part 1 – Civil Asset Forfeiture

What is civil asset forfeiture and why is reforming this archaic law so important to our freedom and the criminal justice system?

Civil asset forfeiture is a legal fiction. Normally when the government alleges criminal wrongdoing the government bears the high burden of proving the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Forfeiture laws, however, allow the government to initiate a civil case against an inanimate piece of property where the government merely asserts that the property is somehow related to criminal activity, and then the property owner bears the burden of proving his or her innocence. In other words, civil asset forfeiture turns the criminal justice system, and the burden of proof that underpins it, on its head.

Worse yet, almost all forfeiture laws mandate that the proceeds of forfeited property go directly to the agency involved in the process.

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Join AF-Phoenix and legal experts at the Goldwater Institute who have first hand knowledge and experience with civil asset forfeiture. This event is the first part of a multi-chapter criminal justice reform series, presented by AF-Phoenix, AF-Chicago, AF-Grand Rapids, and AF-Milwaukee, and will feature expert-led discussions on Criminal Justice Reform issues of importance to all Americans, such as civil asset forfeiture, qualified immunity, and more.

***As our nation undergoes serious restrictions related to the widespread impact of COVID-19, AF-Phoenix is adapting and shifting our audience online. Thank you for your encouragement and support — we look forward to sharing this information with you!