The original intent of the Civil forfeiture in the United States, also called civil asset forfeiture or civil judicial forfeiture or occasionally civil seizure, is a powerful tool to thwart criminal organizations involved in the illegal drug trade. It is a legal process in which law enforcement officers take assets from persons suspected of involvement with crime or illegal activity without necessarily charging the owners with wrongdoing.
However that is no-longer the case. Examples include the seizure of $200.00 from a senior citizen for possession of a "joint" and was Christmas Shopping and the cash was taken without any citation or charge to persons possessions being seized with a value many times that of any fine(s) being levied if at all or charges filed.
Justification
The Supreme Court has generally upheld the principle of civil forfeiture.
According to the Justice Department, there are three main justifications for civil forfeitures:
Punishment and deterrence. To punish and deter criminal activity by depriving criminals of property used or acquired through illegal activities.
Enhance police cooperation. To enhance cooperation among foreign, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, through the equitable sharing of assets recovered through this program.
Revenue for law enforcement. As a byproduct, to produce revenues to enhance forfeitures and strengthen law enforcement.
LINK; "A Prosecutor's Secret Weapon: Federal Civil Forfeiture Law"http://www.justice.gov/usao/eousa/foia_reading_room/usab5506.pdf
@liberty.news did a great story last year on this subject it can be located at https://steemit.com/liberty/@liberty.news/civil-asset-forfeiture-legal-theft-inbox
By the "Citizens" NOT taking action to change this law this theft continues on a daily basis.
Remember;
"If you do NOTHING, NOTHING will be done"! R. L. Reed>
This continues only because "WE" do not demand change! "WE" will demand "Justice" for ANY injury to an animal but remain SILENT when it comes to the injustice of a fellow human!
Further information and source history can be found at;
https://www.aclu.org/issues/criminal-law-reform/reforming-police-practices/asset-forfeiture-abuse
The Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program https://www.justice.gov/afp
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_forfeiture_in_the_United_States
Find Your State Law https://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-rights/asset-forfeiture-laws-by-state.html