Civil asset forfeiture programs violate several provisions of the Bill of Rights. Please introduce legislation to abolish civil asset forfeiture.

Civil asset forfeiture is not confiscation of contraband or illegal goods. It's not property that has been withheld as evidence during a criminal investigation. It's not a fine or restitution imposed on someone duly convicted of a crime.

It is taking people's money and property without due process of law. If that was done by private individuals, it would be called "Grand Theft" or "Armed Robbery". The fact that property is stolen by government agents acting under unconstitutional laws does not make it any less felonious.

As my representatives in Washington, I insist that you take steps to:

Require full Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendment protection for all federal proceedings against owners of personal property;

Permit seizures of criminal profits only upon criminal conviction of the owners;

Permit seizures of legally-owned property only if its owner is convicted of a crime, to pay for fines, court costs, or restitution;

Withhold federal funds from all state and local law enforcement agencies that engage in civil asset forfeiture; and,

Enforce the 14th Amendment's requirement that "nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law" by allowing victims of state and local seizures to contest forfeitures in federal court.