Virginia Lawmakers Consider New Rules For Asset Forfeiture

[jumpincactus]

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Virginia House panel has approved a measure aimed at preventing law enforcement agencies from taking someone’s property through the asset forfeiture process.

The House panel voted Wednesday in favor of a legislation proposed by Spotsylvania Republican Del. Mark Cole that would only allow asset forfeiture to take place after a criminal conviction.

Cole said it was “un-American” for the government to be able to take someone’s property absent a conviction.

But several law enforcement agencies spoke out against the bill, saying the asset forfeiture program helped deter crime by undermining the “profit motive” of engaging in criminal enterprises.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced sweeping changes last week to a federal civil asset forfeiture program.



Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

 

[Sailfishdan]

that is some BS they just take your shit.... have a couple buddies that got JACKED by the police like this, they came in smashed everything up took everything of value.... equipment, cars, cash, shot his dog... then they don't file charges and its like....oh you cant come buy your shit back at this auction.....