Conservative and liberal groups are joining forces to reform a piece of law that they say violates people’s rights, but doesn’t get much attention.
Civil forfeiture is when the government seizes someone’s property. In Ohio, it can happen without criminal charges.
Groups like the conservative-leaning Buckeye Institute, the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP have joined a coalition called “Fix Forfeiture” to change this practice.
The Buckeye Institute’s Robert Alt says an individual should be prosecuted before the government can take away their belongings.
“We should not be applying a standard which treats someone as guilty with regard to their property without forcing the government to provide substantial proof, to meet more rigorous burden,” said Alt.
An Ohio lawmaker plans to introduce a bill this week requiring a conviction before the government can take anything.
