A License to steal? Forfeiture Laws In Illinois

Illinois Civil Asset Forfeiture

Civil Asset Forfeiture is a Billion Dollar Industry, Illinois has a Drug Asset Forfeiture Act and Civil Asset Forfeiture Act both of which are often used to take property from innocent people, or just to help fill budget shortfalls. The law says that “[Forfeiture is not intended to be an alternative means of funding the administration of criminal justice.” 725 ILCS 150/2 The truth, however, is very different. Law enforcement uses civil asset forfeiture as a money maker to fund the purchase of new squad cars, equipment, or to pay for officer overtime. This system of policing for profit has resulted in gross abuses of power. 

That does not mean that you can’t fight back. New changes in the law give citizens the right to petition for an early return of property, vest innocent owners with rights, and the U.S. Supreme Court has placed limits on the amounts which can be taken. 

If you have any questions about an Illinois forfeiture call us for a free, no obligation consultation or use our Free consultation form.