Civil Asset Forfeiture in Indiana

Civil asset forfeiture allows police to seize property linked to alleged criminal activity without charging the owner with a crime, undermining the presumption of innocence.

It is referred to as 'policing for profit' because law enforcement agencies retain a portion of the seized assets, creating a financial incentive to conduct seizures.

The example provided involves a Mississippi man who had $42,300 seized by police while he was en route to buy a second semi-truck for his business.

<p>Indiana police routinely seize cash from FedEx packages they consider 'suspicious' based on broad criteria.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A package that is taped on all seams and a new box are two attributes that may be deemed 'suspicious.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shipments paid by credit card, possibly by cash, or by 'unknown means' may trigger suspicion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It undermines the cornerstone presumption of innocence, as property can be seized without proof of wrongdoing by the owner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The high volume of packages at the FedEx hub allows police to easily identify and seize cash from packages that they label as suspicious.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>K-9 dogs are used by police to detect potential illegal substances in packages; if a dog alerts on a package, police can obtain a warrant to open it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Civil asset forfeiture is a legal process where law enforcement can seize property suspected of being connected to crimes, such as cash in FedEx packages without proving a crime has occurred.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Henry and Minh Cheng had $42,825 confiscated without any specific legal violation cited, but later the Marion County prosecutor's office agreed to return the money.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The title indicates that the property itself is put on trial rather than a person, emphasizing the unique and often criticized nature of asset forfeiture laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Victims often face a daunting legal process with costs that can lead them to give up fighting to reclaim their seized property.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The lawsuit claims that the police seizures of FedEx packages violate both the US Constitution's due process guarantees and Indiana's law against prosecuting crimes that occur outside the state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Indiana police may seize cash based on a presumption that the money could be linked to drug-related activities or other crimes, despite lacking concrete evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The source states account for approximately 29% of the US population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>FedEx's logistical algorithms sometimes route packages through Indiana, making them targets for police seizures without any crime being committed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Henry Cheng expresses disbelief that such seizures can happen in America, reflecting a broader concern about the fairness of the system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Seizing property without specific allegations can be seen as a violation of due process and raises ethical concerns about the abuse of law enforcement powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The prosecutor's office returned the funds, possibly to mitigate the impact of the ongoing class action lawsuit challenging their practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It places the burden on victims to prove that their seized property is not connected to a crime, which is often a complex and costly process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Police usually allege that the seized currency was intended for use in violation of a criminal statute or is traceable to such a violation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A controversial practice where police seize property (money, cars, etc.) suspected of being linked to criminal activity, even if the owner isn't charged with a crime.

The practice of civil asset forfeiture is often considered 'policing for profit' because law enforcement agencies may keep seized assets regardless of the owner's guilt.

Indiana law enforcement routinely seized cash from packages at the FedEx hub, often based on vague criteria for "suspicious" packages.

Police consider packages taped, new, or sent/received via credit card, cash or unknown means as "suspicious."

A fundamental principle in American justice. Everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty.

A form of government oppression where the justice system is weaponized to punish individuals by seizing their assets without proof of guilt.

Government overstepping its authority and power with the use of civil asset forfeiture.

A person's $42,000 in cash was seized by police who claimed the person violated traffic laws.

Cases involving seized assets can have unusual names, sometimes focusing on the seized item instead of the accused or crime involved.

Indiana police seizing cash from FedEx packages in transit, often without a clear connection to any crime in Indiana.

Seizure that is morally wrong or unjust, such as for money shipped through a state but not connected to any crime within that state.

When a police dog alerts, indicating the possible presence of drugs in a package, often leading to unwarranted searches.

Difficult and costly for victims to prove their property wasn't linked to a crime in an asset forfeiture case.

FedEx's logistical route can lead to seized cash being in a state with no direct connection to criminal activity related to the shipment.

Federal rights guaranteeing due process and preventing illegal searches and seizures.

Fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.

A legal action brought by a group of people who have suffered similar harm or injury.

The act of government taking property from individuals under the pretense of forfeiture without a legal conviction.

Legally seizing property without a legal connection to a crime, especially property in transit.

The abuse of individual's property or financial resources, often exploiting legal processes.

A label used to ship packages via FedEx.

Reasonable grounds for believing that a crime has been or will be committed.

Official legal document to seize property, often based on vague claims.