Oklahoma governor signs civil asset forfeiture legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahomans whose assets are unjustly seized through the civil asset forfeiture process can recover their attorney fees under a new state law.

Gov. Mary Fallin on Thursday signed legislation passed by the House and Senate that allows for the recovery of attorney fees in forfeiture cases.

Republican Sen. David Holt of Oklahoma City authored the bill and says he believes it will encourage people whose assets are unjustly taken to fight back.

In the past, Holt says, some individuals who felt their assets were unjustly seized may not have fought to get them back because they couldn’t afford a lawyer. He says the measure may also encourage lawyers to take on such cases.

The new law goes into effect on Nov. 1.