Asset Forfeiture: Federal Agents Are Bigger Thieves Than Burglars
Federal agents took more money and stuff from Americans in 2014 than burglars did, writes Bonnie Kristian at Rare.us.
The feds took $4.5 billion. Burglars only made off with $3.9 billion.
As recently as 2008 it was "just" $1.5 billion, and there's compelling evidence that law enforcement agencies use this license to bolster their budgets in lean years....This comparison is even more appalling when you consider that many people whose money or stuff is taken through civil asset forfeiture are never charged or convicted with any crime.
That's because it essentially allows a police officer who finds you "suspicious" to just take your stuff.
Once your property has been confiscated, the burden of proof is on you, not the police, to show that you didn't get it from any criminal activity. Even if you personally are cleared of all charges, that may not matter. As the Philadelphia City Paper reports, "Technically, it's the property--not its owner--that's being accused of criminality, which means the property can be subject to forfeiture whether or not its owner is ever convicted of a crime."
In other words, they don't have to charge you. They don't have to present any evidence of illegal activity. In fact, you have no right to a lawyer and won't get a day in court. In some jurisdictions, you actually have to pay thousands of dollars just to be able to contest the seizure.
And the new A.G. isn't about to let up any time soon.
" . . .the Wall Street Journal revealed that during her tenure as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ms. (Loretta) Lynch has used civil asset forfeiture in more than 120 cases, raking in some $113 million for federal and local coffers."
It's Obama's Dept. of Justice. It's like his signature is on every one of the forfeiture orders.
Canvasback at November 23, 2015 10:14 PM
Department of "Justice."
Amy Alkon at November 23, 2015 10:30 PM
Unfortunately, the site (rare.com) with the original article is so hagridden with ads that it's almost impossible to read. Slow-loading, slow scrolling, and you don't dare click for fear of accidentally hitting some hotlink to an advertiser. What a horrible site; one more to put on the "never visit" list.
Grey Ghost at November 24, 2015 6:11 AM
Oops; "rare.us."
Grey Ghost at November 24, 2015 6:12 AM
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