Legal Definitions - innocent-owner defense

The innocent-owner defense is a type of defense used in forfeiture actions. It is when the owner of property, such as real estate or money, claims that they were not aware of any wrongful act or omission committed by another person while using their property. This defense asserts that the owner should not be held responsible for the actions of another person.

For example, if a person uses another person's car to transport illegal drugs without the owner's knowledge, the innocent-owner defense can be used by the owner to avoid forfeiture of their car.

This defense is important because it protects innocent owners from losing their property due to the actions of others. It is up to the owner to prove that they were not aware of any illegal activity and did not consent to it.