A federal judge will allow a challenge to Washington's seizure and forfeiture law to move forward as lawsuits mount across the country over the constitutionality of the taking of property without criminal charges.

“Civil asset forfeiture laws—which enable law enforcement agencies to seize property they believe has been involved in criminal activity—have generated considerable controversy in recent years,” U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper in Washington wrote on Monday.

Cooper dismissed some claims in a putative class action by 22 residents who alleged District officials improperly seized and retained cars or money. The judge, however, kept alive certain claims that address the secrecy of proceedings and the timely ability to challenge a seizure.