Pubdate: Sat, 20 Apr 2002
Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO)
Copyright: 2002, Denver Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.rockymountainnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/371
Author: N.M. Gorman
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

FORFEITURE BILL REASSERTS OUR CLAIM TO OUR RIGHTS

I attended the public hearing on House Bill 1404, concerning civil 
forfeiture, and was stunned by the testimony delivered by law enforcement 
opposed to the bill. District attorneys are on the record as saying, " 'Not 
guilty' does not necessarily mean innocent of criminal activity." The last 
time I looked at our constitutional protections, we are all "innocent until 
proven guilty."

It is this prevailing attitude of law enforcement that Rep. Shawn 
Mitchell's bill is trying to address. Innocent citizens have been stripped 
of their property by law enforcement tactics that attempt to recognize a 
"not guilty, but" class of criminal.

It is natural for law enforcement to try to use every tool given to them to 
fight crime. It is their charge to corral the criminals among us in order 
to protect us all. It is also the duty of our government to provide the 
necessary oversight and set rules and limits that police and prosecutors 
must follow in order to protect our basic rights as free Americans. We must 
pursue safety within a legal context that also protects basic rights.

Supporting HB 1404 sends a signal to law enforcement that we cherish our 
life, liberty and property, and we are not willing to part with our 
inalienable rights over a heavy-handed attempt to make us slightly safer.

N.M. GORMAN

Kittredge
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