The discussion explains the procedures required for initiating a civil forfeiture proceeding, discusses the congressional goals underlying the forfeiture law, describes how innocent owners can protect their real property interests, and analyzes the detrimental impact forfeitures may have on innocent ownership rights. Legislative reforms are proposed to the existing forfeiture provisions that would reduce the damaging impact on innocent owners without undercutting the original legislative purpose. These reforms would include clarifying the forfeiture procedures and changing the law to clarify exactly how the proceeds from the sale of forfeited real property are distributed. Footnotes