Muscogee Creek Nation’s Forfeiture Practices in 2025
What is going on with forfeitures and criminal cases at the Muscogee Creek Nation? My name is Ted Hasse. I’m a Muscogee Nation tribal court attorney practicing in tribal and federal courts in the state of Oklahoma.
Now that we’re in 2025, I want to provide an update based on what I know from the end of 2023 and into 2024. There was significant information indicating that the Muscogee Creek Nation was moving towards aggressively seeking forfeitures of items recovered in criminal cases.
Types of Assets Targeted and Funding Implications
This included not just drugs and guns, but also other items like vehicles. The Nation was looking for ways to seize these assets to potentially fund their Light Horse Police law enforcement agency.
In the past year, I was involved in a lead case where the Muscogee Creek Nation pursued forfeiture of a vehicle found during a search that revealed narcotics. The case involved a defendant who was allegedly caught with personal possession amounts and had admitted to driving from Okmulgee to Tulsa to purchase fentanyl.
Legal Challenges and Defenses
The Nation claimed that, under their statute, they were entitled to seize and forfeit the vehicle. We fought this effort and were eventually successful in convincing the court to return the vehicle to the individual.
Initially, it seemed the judge might side with us, but ultimately the Nation retreated from their position. This case demonstrated that, at least temporarily, there are legal avenues to challenge forfeitures at the Muscogee Creek Nation.
The Future of Forfeitures and Civil Rights Concerns
Despite our victory, there is no indication that the Muscogee Creek Nation intends to stop pursuing forfeitures. This ongoing activity represents a significant civil rights issue for Native Americans living within or traveling through the Nation’s jurisdiction.
If you’re facing forfeiture issues within Muscogee Creek Nation, or in other jurisdictions such as federal courts, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal help. Contact us at 918-932-2800 to discuss your case.
Get Expert Legal Assistance – Free Consultation
If you need guidance on forfeiture or criminal defense, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your situation and discuss your options. Call Muscogee Creek Nation criminal defense attorney Ted M. Hasse at 918-932-2800 and let our team help protect your rights.
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