Pubdate: Thu, 01 Dec 2005 Source: Mission City Record (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Mission City Record Contact: http://www.missioncityrecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1305 Author: Gertie Pool Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture) CIVIL FORFEITURE ACT A GREAT PIECE OF LEGISLATION Editor, The Record: Open letter to Solicitor General John Les: Why is it that some of the best stories seldom hit the headlines on TV or in the newspapers? Take the Civil Forfeiture Act that targets money behind crimes, legislated by the B.C. governmenta short timeago. I am totally elated at the bright insight of Solicitor General John Les and his willingness to actually do something about it. It is absolutely great news forlaw-abiding citizen, but ever such bad news for thesly, ruthless criminal, who has beenliving a life ofsumptuous comfort from their crime profits. Take the man in Maple Ridge who was arrested in a Hummer a while ago that had two safes stuffed with drugs while he had thousands of dollars in cash on hand. He was released on $2,000 bail and is likely well on his way to beating the lenient legal system with ease. Up until now that was the rule of thumb for these folks. But such luxurious benefits have come to an abruptstand still. This new forfeiture law would give a government director leeway to impound the vehicle and the cash instantly, regardless of how he fares in the courts. What's more, in establishing "unlawful activity" the authorities only have to proceed in civil court on the "balance of probabilities" rather then proving beyond a reasonable doubt. It truly is some of the best news that I've come across in a very long time. My sincere thanks to Solicitor General John Les.Please take note that your hard work, care, concern and actual deed is received with gratitude by the general public. Thanks again for facing head onthe rapidly growing criminal activities that are so agonizing and costly to society as a whole. Gertie Pool Abbotsford - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman