HB 25-1067

House Bill 25-1067, also known as the Criminal Asset Forfeiture Act, changes how Colorado handles property taken from people involved in drug crimes. It now requires that property can only be seized if someone is convicted of distributing, manufacturing, dispensing, or selling illegal drugs. The bill also clarifies that asset forfeiture happens during criminal proceedings rather than being a separate process. This affects anyone suspected of drug-related crimes and limits the ability of law enforcement to seize personal property without a conviction. Since the status is "signed," this means the bill has been approved by both houses of the legislature and signed into law by the governor, so these changes are now in effect.

Official Summary

The bill replaces existing statutes on public abatement and instead enacts provisions concerning criminal forfeiture. The bill: Limits forfeiture so it can occur only when a defendant is convicted of a crime of unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, or selling a controlled substance; Specifies that a forfeiture proceeding is not a separate civil proceeding but part of a defendant's criminal proceeding; Specifies when personal property may be seized with or without process; Establishes duties and procedures when property is seized; Establishes court procedures for various parties; Allows for the disposition of seized assets and proceeds consistent with prior law; and Establishes limitations on seizures involving the federal government.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

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