### Question
How does the law define innocent owner?


### Answer
Under *18 U.S.C. § 983*, **innocent owner** is defined as:

> a person who, at the time that person acquired the interest in the property—


(i) was a bona fide purchaser or seller for value (including a purchaser or seller of goods or services for value)

#### Citation:
  - *18 U.S.C. § 983*
  - Heading: **PART I-CRIMES > CHAPTER 46-FORFEITURE**

