I'm curious if anyone has had experience with mediation on Art. 59 forfeiture cases. We have a civil attorney handling one of these and he is apparently going to request mediation. I know that's the norm for civil cases, but can the judge require it of us if we don't want to? I didn't find any caselaw in a cursory look, but does anyone have any cases on this issue? Also, if you have done this, can you share your experiences and impressions with me (either here or through email)?

We just settled two forfeiture cases with such mediation. We requested it. They paid for it. Can't hurt.

We mediate some forfeiture cases and have been pretty pleased with the results. I would recomend brining the "case agent" or other police representative with you [person with settlement authority] so that they can understand the process and also hear what the defense believe to be the weaknesses in the State's case.