All Comparison Tables
Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform by State
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Whether a criminal conviction is required before property may be permanently forfeited, the strength of innocent-owner defenses, and any minimum-value thresholds.
50 States2 data columnsLast updated: March 2026
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| Conviction Required | Innocent Owner | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| No | Yes (burden on owner) | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| Yes (HB 2477, 2017) | Yes (burden on state) | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| Yes ($40k threshold) | Yes | $40,000 (under = conviction req.) |
| Yes (HB 17-1313) | Yes | $50,000 (federal equit. share) |
| Yes (PA 17-43) | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| Probable cause + arrest | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| No (reformed 2017) | Yes (burden on state) | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| Yes (under $5k, SF 446) | Yes | $5,000 |
| No | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| Yes (LD 1521, 2021) | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | $300 currency min |
| No (lowest std in US) | Yes | None |
| Yes (under $50k, 2019) | Yes | $50,000 |
| Yes (vehicles, 2014) | Yes | None |
| No (admin process repealed) | Yes | None |
| Yes (in theory) | Yes | None |
| Yes (HB 463, 2015) | Yes | None |
| Yes (LB 1106, 2016) | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| Yes (SB 522, 2016) | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| Yes (criminal forfeiture only, 2015) | Yes | None (abolished civil) |
| No (criminal trigger) | Yes | None |
| Yes (since 1985) | Yes | None |
| Yes (HB 1286, 2019) | Yes | None |
| Yes (under $15k, 2017) | Yes | $15,000 |
| No | Yes | None |
| Yes (Measure 3, 2000) | Yes (burden on state) | None |
| No (Act 13, 2017 reform) | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| No (court ruled 2019, on appeal) | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| Yes (since 2000, Initiative B) | Yes | None |
| Yes (Act 11, 2017) | Yes | None |
| Yes (HB 1522, 2020) | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| Yes (Act 211, 2018) | Yes | None |
| No | Yes | None |
| Yes (CAFA, 2014) | Yes (burden on city) | None |
Federal 'equitable sharing' allows state agencies to bypass stricter state forfeiture laws by partnering with federal authorities. Reform statutes vary in scope; the Institute for Justice maintains a current state-by-state grading system.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.