Civil Asset Forfeiture in Oklahoma: Know Your Rights and How to Fight Back

Civil asset forfeiture laws in Oklahoma give law enforcement broad authority to seize property, cash, and other assets they suspect are connected to criminal activity—even if no criminal charges are ever filed. These laws do not require proof of wrongdoing, only suspicion, allowing officers to take property without a conviction or arrest.

This controversial process has led to countless Oklahomans losing valuable property and cash without ever being involved in a crime. Even worse, reclaiming seized assets is an uphill battle—the burden falls entirely on the property owner to prove the items were not tied to illegal activity.

How Civil Asset Forfeiture Works in Oklahoma

In many cases, civil forfeiture starts with something as routine as a traffic stop. An officer might pull you over for speeding, a broken taillight, or a minor traffic violation. From there, the situation can escalate. If the officer claims to detect suspicious behavior—or simply notices a large amount of cash or valuables in the vehicle—they may seize those items under suspicion they are related to drug trafficking or other illegal activity.

What makes this system especially unfair is that no criminal charges or arrests are required to justify the seizure. Officers can also seize your vehicle if they believe it was used to commit a crime, even without substantial evidence.

For example, carrying a large amount of cash for a legitimate reason—such as traveling to Oklahoma to purchase land—could still result in your money being taken, simply based on perceived suspicion.

Oklahoma’s Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws: A Harsh Legal Landscape

Under current Oklahoma law, law enforcement only needs to show a preponderance of evidence—a much lower standard than “beyond a reasonable doubt”—to keep seized assets. Worse, agencies are allowed to retain the proceeds from forfeited property, creating a built-in incentive to seize aggressively.

These policies have earned Oklahoma a national reputation for some of the most problematic civil forfeiture laws in the country. According to the Institute for Justice, Oklahoma currently holds a D- rating for its civil asset forfeiture practices.

The situation worsened in 2017 when the federal government reinstated the Equitable Sharing Program. This program allows local and state law enforcement to collaborate with federal agencies to seize assets and transfer the case to federal jurisdiction—bypassing state restrictions. In return, the federal government gives 80% of the forfeiture proceeds back to the local agency. This loophole has led to a significant increase in property seizures, often with little oversight or accountability.

Fighting Civil Asset Forfeiture in Oklahoma Requires Skilled Legal Representation

If your property has been seized under Oklahoma’s civil asset forfeiture laws, you are not guaranteed to get it back—even if you have done nothing wrong. The legal burden is on you to prove your property was not involved in any criminal activity. You stand to increase the likelihood of receiving all or some of your property back by working with an experienced Oklahoma asset forfeiture defense attorney.

Successfully challenging a forfeiture requires in-depth legal knowledge and a strategic approach. Without an experienced civil asset forfeiture attorney, your chances of recovering your property are slim.

At Cannon & Associates, we understand the complexities of Oklahoma’s forfeiture laws and are committed to protecting your rights. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, build a compelling defense, and fight aggressively to recover what is rightfully yours.

Schedule Your Free Case Strategy Session Today

At Cannon & Associates, we offer free case strategy sessions because we believe every person deserves answers—whether or not they decide to retain our Oklahoma asset forfeiture attorneys. If your money, vehicle, or property has been seized by law enforcement, our team is ready to help you understand your rights and legal options. This is your opportunity to speak directly with an experienced Oklahoma civil asset forfeiture attorney, ask questions, and get honest legal guidance—no pressure, no commitment. Contact us today to schedule your free case strategy session and take the first step toward reclaiming what’s yours.

By Cannon﹠Associates

May 21, 2025