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In another reversal of Obama policy the Feds are bringing back asset forfeiture. The policy which allows the gov to seize assets of those who may not even be charged with anything because the gov suspects them of being involved with a crime. The gov can even seize assets in states where its banned.
its already drawing criticism from utah senator mike lee
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/session...partment/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab7e&linkId=39940505The Justice Department announced their plans to reinstate the use of asset forfeiture, especially for drug suspects -- making it easier for local law enforcement to seize cash and property from crime suspects and reap the proceeds.
The practice has been criticized because it allows law enforcement to take possessions — such as cars and money — without indictments or evidence a crime has been committed.
"Civil asset forfeiture is a key tool that helps law enforcement help defund organized crime, prevents new crime from committed and weakens the criminals and cartels," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Wednesday announcing the revived DOJ policy.
Sessions said these seizures help weaken criminal organizations by taking away their funding, returning properity back to victims of crimw, as well as give funds back to law enforcement officials by allocating the assets toward new vehicles, vests and police training.
"Funds being used to take lives are now being used to save lives," said Sessions.
CBS News' Paula Reid reports that 24 states have passed laws limiting the practice, but local law enforcement can get around those restrictions by giving seized assets to the federal government instead of returning them to their owners. This practice is called "adoption" and it's been used to seize almost $1 billion in assets over the last decade.
its already drawing criticism from utah senator mike lee