Entries by Sebastian Rucci

The Continuing Perversity of Civil Asset Forfeiture

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In too many places, law enforcement can still seize cash or property without proving a crime. States have begun to enact protections, but there’s more that policymakers can do to rein in policing for profit. April 01, 2021 • American Conservative Union, David Safavian Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Email Print shutterstock_1865464819 (Shutterstock) Law enforcement takes a […]

Ducey signs bill requiring conviction before assets are seized

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Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies will no longer be permitted to permanently seize people’s property for alleged criminal wrongdoing without actually convicting them of a crime after Gov. Doug Ducey signed a landmark bill reforming Arizona’s civil asset forfeiture laws. By signing House Bill 2810 on Wednesday, Ducey helped property rights advocates achieve a long-term […]

Fighting Back against Government Theft

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On March 4, 2015, police seized Massachusetts grandmother Malinda Harris’s Infiniti G37, based on their suspicion that her son, Trevice, was trafficking illegal drugs. At the time, Malinda had no idea that her son had been engaged in any illegal activities. Trevice owned a convenience store where Malinda occasionally helped out. Malinda had purchased the […]

Trump pardon unwinds some Manafort forfeitures

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Justice Department drops efforts to seize 3 properties of former Trump campaign manager at center of Mueller probe. Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort arrives for a hearing at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse. The Justice Department has abandoned its efforts to seize three properties owned by Paul Manafort, who received a pardon from […]

Op-Ed: Weak reforms allow Arkansas police to patrol for cash

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Guilt or innocence does not always matter when the government decides to take private property in Arkansas. Guillermo Espinoza learned the hard way while driving through the state in 2013. A state trooper stopped Espinoza’s vehicle near Malvern and conducted a warrantless search, which produced no evidence of wrongdoing. Espinoza, a Texas resident traveling with […]

Michigan Must Close Asset Forfeiture Loophole

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Abuse in Highland Park illustrates need for reform May 25, 2022 | Facebook X Email Print By Jarrett Skorup The story is hard to believe: A mayor and police chief conducted a “fire inspection” of a building where medical marijuana was being grown and seized the property for a year and a half without charging […]