United States v. $999,830.00 in United States Currency

Michael Simard appeals the district court’s order striking his claim to $999,830 in this civil forfeiture proceeding and the district court’s denial of his motion for reconsideration of that order. The district court concluded that Simard lacked Article III standing, struck his claim and entered judgment in favor of the government. The district court also denied his motion for reconsideration. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and we reverse.

The district court erred in granting the motion to strike by applying the standard of proof for a claimant asserting a possessory, rather than an ownership, interest in property. In a civil forfeiture proceeding, “[a]t the motion to dismiss stage, a claimant’s unequivocal assertion of an ownership interest in the property is sufficient by itself to establish standing.” United States v. $133,420.00 in U.S. Currency, 672 F.3d 629, 638 (9th Cir.2012). A claimant asserting a mere possessory interest must do more, and explain their possession of the property. Id. Simard introduced a sworn declaration in support of his claim “asserting a legal right and ownership interest in the monies seized from me.” This unequivocal…