The Supreme Court's Ruling in Timbs v. Indiana Still Protects Against Excessive Fines in 2025
- Royce Nunley
- Feb 20, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 3
In a powerful affirmation of constitutional rights, the Supreme Court of the United States held in Timbs v. Indiana that the Eighth Amendment’s protection against excessive fines applies to state and local governments — not just the federal government. Though this landmark decision was handed down in 2019, it remains highly relevant today, especially as civil asset forfeiture continues to impact individuals across the country, including here in Michigan.
What Was Timbs v. Indiana About?
The case began when Tyson Timbs pleaded guilty to drug-related offenses in Indiana. As part of the state's response, law enforcement seized his $40,000 Land Rover, arguing it had been used to transport drugs. However, the maximum criminal fine for his offenses under Indiana law was $10,000 — making the vehicle seizure four times greater than the monetary penalty allowed by law.
Timbs challenged the seizure as unconstitutionally excessive, and the Supreme Court unanimously agreed.
The Key Legal Holding
In its 2019 ruling, the Supreme Court held that:
“The Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause is incorporated by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, and thus applies to the States.”
This decision reaffirmed that state and local governments cannot impose disproportionately large financial penalties — including civil forfeitures — without violating the U.S. Constitution.
What Is Civil Asset Forfeiture?
Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement to seize property suspected of being connected to criminal activity, often without requiring a conviction. Critics argue that this process is ripe for abuse, particularly when:
Individuals are never charged with a crime
Property is seized but not returned, even after acquittal
The value of the property far exceeds any criminal penalties allowed under law
This practice has come under increasing scrutiny in Michigan and across the U.S., especially for violating due process and property rights.
How This Ruling Impacts Michigan Residents in 2025
In recent years, Michigan has reformed its civil asset forfeiture laws, in part due to the spotlight that Timbs v. Indiana placed on excessive fines and property seizures. Key changes include:
As of 2020, Michigan law enforcement cannot forfeit property worth less than $50,000 without a criminal conviction (with certain exceptions for repeat offenses or abandonment).
The state has increased transparency requirements, mandating annual reporting of forfeiture activity.
There’s growing momentum for stricter due process protections, especially for innocent property owners.
Despite progress, abuses still occur, and many individuals are unaware of their rights or how to challenge improper forfeiture.
Know Your Rights — Contact The Nunley Law Group
If your property has been seized — or you’re concerned about an excessive financial penalty imposed by law enforcement — you don’t have to fight alone. The Eighth Amendment is your shield, and The Nunley Law Group is here to defend your rights.
Our criminal defense attorneys can help you:
Challenge unlawful or excessive fines and fees
Fight civil asset forfeiture
Navigate criminal charges while protecting your property and due process rights
📞 Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you protect what’s rightfully yours.
| About the Author
Email. Royce@nunleylawgroup.com
Tel. 586-778-4555
Royce Nunley is the founder and lead attorney at The Nunley Law Group, where he represents clients in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defense, Social Security Disability, and Personal Injury. Known for his client-focused approach and legal insight, Royce is deeply committed to delivering personalized legal solutions tailored to each individual's needs.
Royce earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish, Cum Laude, from Wayne State University, and continued his education at Wayne State University Law School, where he received his Juris Doctorate, also Cum Laude. His academic excellence laid a strong foundation for a career marked by both compassion and tenacity in the courtroom.
Royce has been recognized for his outstanding work in Family Law, earning the distinction of Super Lawyers "Rising Star" for six consecutive years—2019 through 2024—an honor reserved for only the top 2.5% of attorneys in the state.
With a reputation for taking the time to truly understand his clients and their legal challenges, Royce ensures that every person who walks through his door receives the respect, transparency, and tireless advocacy they deserve.
Comments