Civil Forfeiture: Legal Theft
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Civil Forfeiture: Legal Theft

We may not be able to trust the people we should trust the most.

25
Civil Forfeiture: Legal Theft

As a society, we rely on the police to protect us. And the majority of the time, I believe law enforcement intentions are good. However, we have turned a blind eye to a horrific injustice called civil forfeiture. This is when an officer seizes private property from an individual who is suspected of a crime. This property can then be kept by the officer who took it, even if the individual in question is not convicted of any crime. There are been countless cases of civil forfeiture abuse, like what happened to Tan Nguyen.

Tan Nguyen had just won fifty-thousand dollars at a casino. He was pulled over, the officer confiscated his winnings and threatened to tow his car if he spoke up about it. However, Nguyen did earn his winnings back, at the cost of an attorney. Even though Nguyen did have to pay for legal representation, he was actually fortunate he got his money back at all. Unfortunately, this was not the case for George Reby.

Reby was carrying $22,000 in his car when he was pulled over. The officer "suspected" Reby was going to use it for drugs, and even when he proved he was using it to buy a car off eBay, the officer still took his money. Reby comments, "If somebody told me this happened to them, I absolutely would not believe this could happen in America."

You may be thinking, "Though this is completely unjust, are police departments at least using seized assets to better communities in any way?" Not really. Some states (such as Missouri) do have laws that seized property must go to schools, however, there is a federal loophole that allows funds to be spent elsewhere. Here are just some of the ridiculous things law enforcement has spent stolen money on; a sports car for the D.A.R.E program, a margarita machine, and various equipment.

Civil forfeiture is despicable. It shouldn't be legal to be robbed by the same people you expect to protect you. No longer are we innocent until proven guilty. Americans deserve to live in peace knowing they won't lose this month's rent to a margarita machine.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51360
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32959
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955983
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180948
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments