ACLU Comment on DOJ Announcement on Civil Asset Forfeiture Program

January 16, 2015 4:30 pm

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WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder announced today a limit on local and state police use of federal law to render forfeitable money, cars, and other legal property without evidence that a crime has occurred. The profits of these assets are frequently retained by the federal government, with the majority of the profits shared with the local and state police departments.

“This is a significant advancement to reform a practice that is a clear violation of due process that is often used to disproportionately target communities of color,” said ACLU Washington Legislative Office Director Laura W. Murphy. “Now Congress and state governments should pass legislation to end the practice of seizing innocent Americans’ property and protect their due process.”

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