Civil forfeiture is a legal process that allows law enforcement to seize assets believed to be connected to criminal activity, even if the owner has not been convicted of a crime. This means that property, such as money, vehicles, or real estate, can be taken without a criminal charge against the owner. The goal is to disrupt illegal activities by removing the tools and profits associated with them. In civil forfeiture cases, the burden of proof often lies with the property owner to demonstrate that their assets are not linked to crime. This process can lead to significant legal battles, as individuals may struggle to reclaim their property, raising concerns about fairness and due process in the justice system.