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civil forfeiture

In an unusual case, Tampa police use civil forfeiture to seize dump truck used in hit-and-run death

in Local Courts/Top Headlines by

In an unusual case regarding the state’s civil forfeiture act, a court allowed Tampa police to seize a dump truck used in a February hit-and-run accident that caused the death of a pedestrian. David Yribar Hernandez, 46, is the owner of Yribar Jr. Trucking Corp. At 4534 W. Clifton St. in Tampa. In the early morning hours of Feb. 20, 2017, Hernandez was driving a 2004 Peterbilt dump truck when he allegedly struck and killed pedestrian Stephen J. Waters in…

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Rick Scott signs 14 more bills into law

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed into law another 14 bills from the 2016 Legislative Session. He had a Saturday deadline to approve or veto the latest bills, all from the Senate. The latest bills include SB 1044, under which law enforcement will have to charge people with a crime before they can seize their money, cars, homes or other property. State Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, sponsored the measure, which was supported from both sides of the political spectrum. It’s designed to prevent abuses of the current law,…

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Lawmakers OK civil forfeiture reform

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Police would have to charge people with a crime before they can seize their money, cars, homes or other property under a bill going to Gov. Rick Scott. State Sen. Jeff Brandes‘ bill (SB 1044) was passed Tuesday by the House 116-0. The St. Petersburg Republican’s proposal garnered support from both liberals and conservatives. The measure is designed to prevent abuses of the current law, which doesn’t require an arrest before property is seized, but rather law enforcement’s belief that it was likely used…

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Civil forfeiture bill passes Senate, heads to House floor

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

The Florida Senate approved a bill Friday that would reform civil forfeiture and reduce wrongful seizures of personal property. Under current law officers can seize a person’s property if they suspect it was gained as a result of or might be used in criminal activity. The owner of seized property does not currently have to be arrested in order for a police officer to seize his or her property. “If you told the average person that the government could seize…

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Toast to the Bay/Dump into the Bay: Jeff Brandes and Barbara Banno

in The Bay and the 'Burg/Top Headlines by

Toast to the Bay: Jeff Brandes Hats are off to Jeff Brandes this week for what will likely end in victory after two Legislative sessions of battling. A measure aimed at protecting property rights in Florida finally garnered consensus from pro-property rights lawmakers and law enforcement officials. A civil forfeiture measure pushed by Brandes both this year and last sailed through a House Committee hearing Thursday after an amendment was approved bringing law enforcement group’s to the table in support.…

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Lawmakers find accord with law enforcement on civil forfeiture bill

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

An amended bill that would reshape the way civil forfeiture works in Florida passed the House Judiciary Committee Thursday. Under current law, law enforcement can seize a person’s property, including cash, if they suspect it is being used to commit a crime or is the proceed from crime. Under that scenario, no charges have to be filed against the person whose property is being seized. The amended House bill now requires an arrest, with limited exceptions, before officers can take…

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Today on Context Florida: Clinton’s speaking fees, forfeiture laws, fixing prisons and technical skills

in Apolitical/Top Headlines by

Today on Context Florida: Madeline Albright and Gloria Steinem need to stop obsessing about young women who won’t vote for Hillary Clinton, says Martin Dyckman. There’s a better use for their time and energy if they want her to be elected president. That’s to take Clinton by the shoulders, shake her until her teeth rattle, and scream into her ear, “Who do you think you are? Marie Antoinette?” But here’s what Clinton did say when asked why she took $675,000 from…

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