Blog – Alabama Appleseed

The State of Justice Blog

Alabama Appleseed Statement on Committee Hearings on Legislation to Reclassify Marijuana Possession Offenses

Today the Alabama Senate and House Judiciary Committees considered legislation to reclassify one ounce or less of marijuana as a civil offense, the possession of more than one ounce but less than two ounces as a Class D felony, and the possession…

Support SB 251 (Sen. Brewbaker) & HB 272 (Rep. Todd)

Alabama Appleseed Applauds Vote to End Civil Asset Forfeiture

Fair Schools, Safe Communities, News, Press Release

Today the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance SB 213 (Senator Orr), which would end civil asset forfeiture in Alabama. “Civil asset forfeiture allows the government to take and keep your cash, your car, or your house – even…

It’s Time for Civil Asset Forfeiture to Go

Fair Schools, Safe Communities, Frank Knaack

by Frank Knaack, Executive Director Under both Alabama and federal law, the government can take and keep your cash, your car, or your house – even if you are never charged with a crime. This program, known as civil asset forfeiture, turns…

Ban the Box Clears First Legislative Hurdle

Fair Schools, Safe Communities, Frank Knaack

by Frank Knaack, Executive Director Earlier today the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee voted to enhance public safety, strengthen our economy, and give people a second chance to make an honest living. SB 198 (Sen. Singleton), and its…

Alabama Appleseed, SPLC Release New Report Documenting Widespread and Unjust Use of Civil Asset Forfeiture in Alabama

Fair Schools, Safe Communities, Press Release

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Courts in 14 Alabama counties awarded $2.2 million to law enforcement agencies through civil asset forfeiture actions filed in 2015 – and in a quarter of the 1,100 cases, law enforcement sought to keep property seized…