it’s time for connecticut - reason foundation
TRANSCRIPT
IT’S TIME FOR CONNECTICUTTO DO AWAY WITH CIVIL ASSET FORFEITUREIn Connecticut, an individual’s property or cash may be forfeited by the state even if they have not been convicted or even accused of committing any crime. It’s called civil asset forfeiture.
Civil asset forfeiture is di�erent from criminal asset forfeiture, which requires the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person has committed a crime before their property or cash can be forfeited. With civil asset forfeiture, no criminal conviction is required.
Civil asset forfeiture is not necessary for police to do their jobs properly, nor is it necessary for the protection of public safety. To protect due process and private property rights, CT should require a conviction for all forfeitures.
IT’S TIME FOR CONNECTICUTTO DO AWAY WITH CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE In Connecticut, an individual’s property or cash may be forfeited by the state even if they have not been convicted or even accused of committing any crime. It’s called civil asset forfeiture.
Civil asset forfeiture is di�erent from criminal asset forfeiture, which requires the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person has committed a crime before their property or cash can be forfeited. With civil asset forfeiture, no criminal conviction is required.
Civil asset forfeiture is necessary neither for police to do their jobs properly, nor is it necessary for the protection of public safety. To protect due process and private property rights, CT should require a conviction for all forfeitures.
Research by Lauren KrisaiGraphic by Joshua Swain
2013 2014 2015 2016
$726,511
$989,875
$1.26 M $1.20 M
Amount forfeited by local Connecticut law enforcement
Median Forfeitures
2016CRIMINAL FORFEITURE
CIVIL FORFEITURE $570$503
CRIMINAL FORFEITURE
2015$518$531
CIVIL FORFEITURE
It often costs more to hire a lawyer to contest a civil forfeiture than the value of property taken.
In addition to cash, CT police also seized: dozens of cell phones, 2 dirt bikes, 4 gold chains and pendants, iPads, TV's, Blu-ray players, and other items.
Research by Lauren KrisaiGraphic by Joshua Swain
Department of Emergency Services &Public Protection/Local Police Departments
Prosecutors(some of the money goes toward prosecutor's salaries)
10%
70%
20%Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services
INCENTIVES MATTER:Most civil forfeiture proceeds wind up back
in the hands of those who are seizing
2013 2014 2015 2016
$726,511
$989,875
$1.26 M $1.20 M
Cash forfeited in CT through Civil Asset Forfeiture
Median Forfeitures
2016CRIMINAL FORFEITURE
CIVIL FORFEITURE $570$503
CRIMINAL FORFEITURE
2015$518$531
CIVIL FORFEITURE
It often costs more to hire a lawyer to contest a civil forfeiture than the value of property taken.
In addition to cash, CT police also seized: Dirt bikes, gold chains and pendants, iPads, TV's, Blu-ray players, dozens of cell phones and other items.