If only that were true. The FBI usually goes with the policy of "might makes right".

Especially for relatively low-value items (like laptops, phones, et c) stuff that the state seizes cannot be cost effectively retrieved, even in the absence of a charge or conviction. You're looking at a minimum of $10k USD in legal fees to begin demanding your stuff back.

The "innocent until proven guilty" policy is mostly a myth in the USA.

Looks most likely that the government can keep it unless someone files suit to contest the seizure.

https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/white-collar-crime/asset-for....

> It has to go through a trial

Quite literally. They file suit against the items themselves, and always win.

Hard to win when you can't actually testify :) . CAF is such a joke. It really needs to stop (some success at that in some states). The Founding Fathers would never have allowed it.