SB210 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 20-2-93 to establish comprehensive procedures for seizure and forfeiture of property related to drug-related offenses, including controlled substances, equipment, vehicles, and proceeds from illegal drug transactions.

• Requires law enforcement to obtain a seizure order within 7 business days of seizure and present it to the prosecuting authority within 14 days; establishes 90-day deadline for filing forfeiture action or property must be returned to owner.

• Prohibits forfeiture of innocent owners' interests unless state proves by preponderance of evidence the owner had knowledge or consent of the criminal activity; allows innocent owners to petition for hearing at any time after seizure.

• Establishes exemptions from seizure including currency totaling $250 or less and motor vehicles valued under $5,000; allows district attorneys to increase these minimum amounts within their judicial circuits.

• Restricts federal adoption of seized property to cases involving currency exceeding $10,000; prohibits state and local agencies from accepting federal forfeiture proceeds if they violate this restriction.