Why Cops Can (and Do) Take People's Stuff (justice, civil, news)

[JD59]

A drive through Tenaha, Texas, can cost you thousands of dollars—because police in this sleepy town are known for pulling over out-of-state cars and confiscating anything they want. Highway robbery? Maybe, but it's called "civil forfeiture," a legal practice that allows police to take money or property on the suspicion it was obtained illicitly.

Why Cops Can (and Do) Take People's Stuff - 'Civil forfeiture' fills law enforcement coffers every year

[shadowwalker]

That's screwed up even for Texas....

[John F S]

That sounds illegal, regardless of the so-called law.

[jasper12]

Not buying the,"we had a glass marbled pipe in the car, it was a "gift"." And the load of cash, our savings for months.

This does not make the practice palatable, though.

[topher5150]

I read that article, and all I could think of Buford T. Justice

[Harrier]

Why are these people allowing the cops to search their car?

4th Amendment people.

Cops can only search your car or home with a warrant or with CONSENT from you.

Stop and frisk is a bit different, but even it has limitations placed upon its use.

Know your rights and assert them.

[MattOTAlex]

Here is the link to the story, in its entirety.

Sarah Stillman: The Use and Abuse of Civil Forfeiture : The New Yorker