Civil forfeiture is a legal doctrine that allows local governments to take the property of individuals accused, or suspected, of crimes. The individual does not need to be found criminally guilty nor does the state have to wait to the conclusion of the criminal legal proceedings. In most jurisdictions, the government merely must show by the "preponderance of the evidence" that the property or money was used in connection with a criminal offense. This is a much lower standard than "beyond a reasonable doubt."

In civil forfeiture proceedings, property owners have even less protections than in criminal proceedings -- an individual has no right to an attorney in a civil forfeiture proceeding, nor do they have a right to a jury trial.

In recent years, the practice of civil forfeiture has become more popular in tribal courts in Western Washington. If you've received a notice of civil forfeiture you MUST respond and appear at the date specified on the notice. If you don't appear, the government will automatically win, and you will have lost your property forever. You should also consider hiring an attorney to help you keep your property. There's no substitute for experienced legal representation.