3 ms·
Traffic law is the same. If the government accuses you of j-walking or speeding, you need to go to court to prove your innocence otherwise they assume you're g
by randyrand 7y ago
Traffic law is the same.
If the government accuses you of j-walking or speeding, you need to go to court to prove your innocence otherwise they assume you're guilty.
I've heard that civil forfeiture is the same way. These are all unfortunate.
- Erik816 7y agoThat is false. The government still has the burden of proof, although in some states it is quite low (preponderance of the evidence). That you need to appear in court does not mean you have the burden to prove your innocence.
- anthonybullard 7y agoIn many places in California you have to first pay the fine too contest the fine. Upon your contest being successful you'll eventually get your money back. This may take 9 months. Fronting the court $200 for 9 months might not hurt a software engineer, but for some people that might mean not paying rent. And asset forfeiture is more insidious. The case is made against the forfeited property, not it's owner. Hopefully the ruling in Timbs v Indiana will help reign that in.