“There are great amendments in the Bill of Rights to protect people from unreasonable search and seizure and guarantee Americans have due process. Asset forfeiture is in conflict with those constitutional principles,” said Michigan Rep. Jeff Irwin.
How Michigan Lawmakers Want to Make It Harder for Law Enforcement to Take Your Stuff
By Heritage Foundation Melissa Quinn——Bio and Archives--July 7, 2015
Last year, two Michigan self-described “soccer moms” were the victims of raids conducted by local law enforcement officials, who took telephones, televisions and cash from the women’s homes under civil asset forfeiture laws.
The women, Ginnifer Hency and Annette Shattuck, have never been found guilty of a crime.
Inspired by cases such as these, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the state legislature are working to reform the very laws that gave law enforcement the power to take Hency and Shattuck’s belongings.
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