[tommo123]

I like that. "Prove you're not a drug dealer and we'll see if there's still money to return." It kind of gives the middle fingers to 3 somewhat-important US rights: the right to not self-incriminate (being coerced into providing new evidence that might be used against you), being considered innocent until proven guilty (assets seized without an active case against you), and that everyone is equal under the law (unless we say you're a drug dealer (or, going back 60 years, black)).

[rst]

There would be precedent, in the form of cash seizure "civil forfeiture" proceedings at both the State and Federal level:

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/08/12/130812fa_fact_...

[marvin]

Asset forfeiture is, and always has been, a clear violation of the rule of law. (A suspect is innocent until proven guilty). Precedent or no.