Property Seized for Forfeiture? Take Action Immediately
Police and prosecutors use forfeiture laws to take ownership of property that is allegedly related to criminal activity. The police needn’t even arrest the owner to take advantage of Iowa’s civil forfeiture laws. More often than not, criminal charges are never filed by police. They simply seize property (mainly cash) during any traffic stop, make a colorable claim of criminal conduct and see if the owner challenges the legal process. When the owner instead abandons the property, the police and prosecutors keep the proceeds. It can amount to millions each year. A great way to address budget shortfalls, right? […]
