Nebraska introduces a bill to reform forfeiture proceedings

In 2024, the Nebraska legislature introduced LB 916, would provide that a defendant represented by appointed counsel in a criminal matter has the right to counsel in any related forfeiture case.  The law would also allow the court to appoint counsel for certain innocent owners or secured interest holders.  Specifically, where the property subject to forfeiture is not summarily returned to an innocent owner or to a secured interest holder, these individuals may file a motion to intervene for which the court may appoint counsel provided that the movants are indigent.