United States v. Bajakajian

Bajakajian (defendant) attempted to leave the United States without reporting he was carrying $357,144, lied about the amount when questioned, and pleaded guilty to the reporting violation; the government sought forfeiture of the full amount under 18 U.S.C. § 982(a)(1), but the district court, finding full forfeiture unconstitutionally excessive, reduced it to $15,000 plus a $5,000 fine, and the government appealed to the Supreme Court.