Under Cafra, attorneys' fees in civil-forfeiture cases are at least partially payable if the claimant wins.

WSJ: Federal Asset Seizures and Forfeitures Rise; 'Equitable Sharing' Grows

The Cafra reforms helped Mr. Jaramillo find a lawyer even though he says he had no money.

WSJ: Federal Asset Seizures and Forfeitures Rise; 'Equitable Sharing' Grows

The 2000 Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act, or Cafra, put in protections for individuals, including increasing the government's burden of proof in many proceedings.

WSJ: Federal Asset Seizures and Forfeitures Rise; 'Equitable Sharing' Grows

In April, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found that the Cafra attorney's fee should be paid to the client, not directly to the lawyer.

WSJ: Federal Asset Seizures and Forfeitures Rise; 'Equitable Sharing' Grows

It is clear from the legislative history of CAFRA that Congress intended to limit civil forfeitures to alleged structuring connected with an underlying offense of drug trafficking or money laundering.

FORBES: Nothing Civil About Asset Forfeiture

Cafra's new safeguards didn't go far enough, critics argue.

WSJ: Federal Asset Seizures and Forfeitures Rise; 'Equitable Sharing' Grows

Cafra also extended forfeiture powers to additional crimes.

WSJ: Federal Asset Seizures and Forfeitures Rise; 'Equitable Sharing' Grows