Civil asset forfeiture has to be one of the most odious
police practices in America and needs to be stopped. According to the New York
Times, the law
“allows the government, without ever securing a conviction or
filing a criminal charge, to seize property suspected of having ties to
crime.”
It basically gives the government the green light to steal
from you if it wants what you have. In 2012 alone, $4.3 billion worth of assets
were taken by law enforcement agencies throughout the country. They often sell
off the cars, electronics, and boats they steal and keep the money to buy
things for their departments. This practice is one more evil outgrowth of the
Drug War that has expanded in scope from the 1980s to today, and now includes a
vast array of suspected offenses ranging from drunk driving to shoplifting.
I know someone who fell victim to this practice and had her
car confiscated before any charges were issued. Even when you manage to get
your property back, you pay outrageous fines, so the cops win either way. It
may be technically legal, but it is in no way constitutional, and there are
organizations working to halt civil asset forfeitures. One such organization is
the Institute for Justice. If you are so inclined, support their efforts. You
or I could be the next victim.
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