Civil Forfeiture Puts Burden of Proof on Suspects, Not State

In January, the U.S. Justice Department curtailed the ability of state and local law enforcement agencies to piggyback on federal law as cover for seizing billions in cash and property from people who are never formally charged with wrongdoing.

Nevada lawmakers now have an opportunity to build upon that federal reform. Legislation introduced in Carson City would protect Nevadans from the danger of subjugating the presumption of innocence to policies that let state and local police agencies seize and keep money, cars, homes or other property without a warrant or criminal charge.

[continues 784 words]