While the abstract debate on civil asset forfeiture remains hotly contested in Texas, two elements often omitted are from the discussion is “how much,” and “where” the practice takes place. Unfortunately, delineating civil forfeiture from that which occurs pursuant to a criminal conviction is impossible under current reporting law.
Public Safety Starts With Solving Crimes, Not Just Reporting Them
When a violent crime is committed, it tends to feel not just unwarranted but random. When a murder, sex crime, or burglary happens, we often ask, “How did this happen?” Even worse is when a violent crime is committed by someone with a violent criminal past. We then demand to know, “How did this happen… again?” ...