The District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial District utilizes the Asset Forfeiture laws of the State of Mississippi as part of its mission to fight crime and keep citizens safe. These laws allow law enforcement to obtain the forfeiture of property that is used or related to criminal activity. Mississippi law allows for Asset Forfeiture in a variety of cases. These cases include illegal drug offenses, weapons offenses, illegal gambling, gang activity, drive by shootings, bootlegging and felony DUI offenses.

It disincentives criminal activity by seizing those things that are used to commit crimes or the proceeds gained from the commission of criminal activity. These funds are then used according to State law for valid law enforcement purposes. They can be used to purchase bullet proof vests for officers, for further investigations into criminal activity, for law enforcement training and for community crime fighting.

For example, a gun that is used by a criminal in a drive by shooting can be seized and forfeited and then traded in by a law enforcement agency for the purchase of a bullet proof vest. Another example would allow for money that is seized from a drug dealer who has sold drugs in our communities to be seized, forfeited and used by the police for community policing initiatives that are designed to protect all citizens.

Asset forfeiture is a valuable crime fighting tool. The District Attorney’s Office believes in the use of these laws to better our communities. Law Enforcement Offices that are interested in participating in the program should contact the District Attorney’s Office for more information on how to participate.

Below is a list of various Mississippi statutes that authorize Asset Forfeiture proceedings in criminal matters.

Forfeiture Law Vehicles
Forfeiture LEO
Forfeiture Public Health Law
Forfeiture Streetgang Law
Forfeiture Substances Law

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