This should only happened when a crime has been charged.  The Constitution states that a person is innocent until proven guilty.  The reason this is happening is because the present government is not following the laws or the Constitution.

Saturday, October 3, 2015 7:32 AM

Subject: Government-Sanctioned Theft

By Jocelynn Smith, Sr. Managing Editor

Last Saturday, I commented on a recent survey conducted by HuffPost/YouGov that revealed that 72% of Americans have never heard of civil asset forfeiture — a law in which police officers can seize property such as cash, cars, jewelry and even homes, without obtaining a conviction or even charging the owner with a crime.

In fact, in most states property owners must prove that their property is not connected to illegal activity, killing the idea that you are innocent until proven guilty.

I asked for readers to write in and share their thoughts on this law. Your response was overwhelming and I thought I’d share some of them today.

From Brian B.
Civil asset forfeiture is nothing but government-sanctioned theft. I first heard about this last year. Whenever I have the chance to speak out about this to other citizens I am amazed that 90% of the people I talk to do not know that police departments around America are engaged in legalized theft. I always urge folks to write to their congressperson or senators to put a stop to this crime. I do not believe they ever even bother.

From Jerry L.
Civil forfeitures are increasing at an alarming rate and are a scam by local police departments targeting cars from out of state. They are playing the percentages that it won’t be economically feasible for the property owner to return to the state and challenge the taking. I am a retired attorney and was stopped on false pretenses in Mississippi. When I refused to consent to a search of my vehicle, the police immediately brought out their dog to sniff around the car. While this process produced nothing, these dogs do display false alarms providing probable cause for a more extensive police search. We’re headed down a dangerous precipice with these tactics going unchecked.

From Michael M.
I personally have not had this displeasure, but I know of people who have. We have been guilty until we can prove we are innocent in the USA for a long time! The laws that allow confiscation of personal property without proving the assets were gained illegally is unconstitutional. However, they do it all the time and a lot of times it would cost more in attorney fees to get it back! Definitely should not be allowed, especially because it is unconstitutional. The Patriot Act is mostly unconstitutional too.

From Rondall C.
I say that this robbery program of citizens by the police officers in the “good old USA” needs to be stopped and stopped now! This country used to be a country of laws, but no more; the people of the U.S. are being robbed at gunpoint and the law doesn’t seem to matter.

From Richard D.
In my honest opinion, civil forfeiture should not exist. Often a uninvolved individual whose property unknowingly becomes involved in a crime becomes implicated in the crime. The accuser MUST prove a crime has occurred and the accused is INNOCENT until proven otherwise. We have enough laws and regulations in order to indict and prove the guilt first. Then some type of forfeiture can come about of the guilty party. Not before. This country has turned the tables on its citizens and granted itself illegal confiscation as right of entitlement.

From John E.
I once lived in the real America where the law prevented any penalties of its citizens until they were proven guilty of a crime. Is there any way we can get there again?

P.S. I am 81 years old and that was a long time ago.

Thank you to everyone who has written in. I reached out to Bob Bauman, Chairman of Freedom Alliance, for his insight in the matter and he replied:
How You Can Fight Forfeiture: Our comments about the massive abuse of civil forfeiture by American police at all levels drew many reader responses. Based on those comments here are two suggestions: 1) For those asking what can be done to fight forfeiture, go to the website of the leading anti-forfeiture group, FEAR — Forfeiture Endangers American Rights — and get on their free mailing list.

FEAR tells you what you can do and reports on reform bills pending in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures, plus the latest news. I am a former FEAR board member and Sovereign Society founder Mark Nestmann is treasurer. 2) FEAR also provides extensive advice on how to fight forfeiture if you are a victim, with links to legal defense attorneys. One of the best that I recommend is Brenda Grantland JD, Email:

bgrantland@brendagrantland.com; Address: 20 Sunnyside, Suite A-204, Mill Valley, CA 94941; Telephone: (415)381-6105.

It is important that you take steps to protect your hard-earned assets and The Sovereign Society will be there to help you by providing the insight and contacts you need.

Regards,

Jocelynn Smith
Sr. Managing Editor, Sovereign Investor Daily

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