I want to get more educated on Asset Seizures. The TDCAA Asset Seizure book is dated 2003. That's quite a bit of time passed. Before I pend my $50.00 plus S&H for the book, can ya'll give me headsup if there are other books of the same great TDCAA quality covering the same information. Or, is the book still current enough two legislative sessions later?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,

CRJ

The basic legal standards for asset forfeiture haven't changed much. There has been additional case law but nothing radical.

There may be some additions during this legislative session that will be worth noting.

All in all, I would recommend the book. We recently got a copy for our new civil lawyer, who handles our asset forfeiture cases.

You also could supplement the book with any papers presented through TDCAA conference over the last few years. Check the website for downloadable files.

I agree with the post from JB -- the information in there is still current. We do, however, plan on doing an update following the 2009 legislative session, but we probably won't have it completed until fall of 2009. If you need a book in the meantime, I'd think the current version would be helpful enough to buy.

Thanks for your interest!

I also recommend meeting with the lawyer in your county that handles asset forfeitures. A good relationship between law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney is the key to a successful case. There are all sorts of local protocols that have been adopted to make the system work. Many jurisdictions have minimum standards that trigger initiation of a case.

As always, thanks for sharing your thoughts and guidance.

Best,

CRJ