Pubdate: Fri, 28 Aug 2015
Source: Orange County Register, The (CA)
Copyright: 2015 The Orange County Register
Contact:  http://www.ocregister.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/321
Author: Daniel S. Llorens

FIND OTHER WAYS TO REFORM ASSET FORFEITURE

Law enforcement professionals throughout California are urging our 
Legislature to look elsewhere in its efforts to reform asset 
forfeiture; Senate Bill 443 is not the answer.

SB443 would require a criminal conviction before officials could 
seize the assets of criminal organizations. These sophisticated, 
deadly and, yes, profitable enterprises make their enormous profits 
running guns and drugs as well as human trafficking. Requiring a 
conviction prior to the seizure of assets would allow these groups to 
hide money while law enforcement struggles to play "catch up." It 
rewards the potential profitability of their efforts and would no 
doubt embolden money launderers.

State law already allows for ample due process for persons and their 
assets suspected of being involved in criminal activity. As a police 
chief, I am greatly concerned that SB443 would create a pathway for 
these transnational criminal organizations to become infinitely more 
profitable. I urge a "No" vote on SB443.

Daniel S. Llorens

Fountain Valley

Chief of police
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom