Seattle Press on Line - Dickerson Bill Reforms Asset Seizure Laws

Dickerson Bill Reforms Asset Seizure Laws

Apr 18, 2001 -- State Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-36) scored a victory for civil liberties on April 12, when the Washington State Senate passed her asset-forfeiture reforms 42-4. The Senate action, which followed a unanimous House vote, reflects a growing unease with government seizures and auctions of cars, cash, stereos and other private property before the owners have been convicted of any crime, Dickerson said.

Dickerson called the legislative votes, "a victory for every person's right to due process of law. Confiscating and auctioning off private property without giving people their day in court isn't the American way."

The lopsided votes in the Legislature make it all but certain that Governor Locke will sign the due process reforms, which would:

* Require law enforcement agencies to show, by a preponderance of evidence, that confiscated property was subject to lawful seizure and forfeiture;

* Entitle claimants who prevail in forfeiture proceedings to reasonable attorney's fees; and

* Create a legislative workgroup to examine state and local law enforcement practices in asset seizures and forfeitures.

Dickerson said, "The strong support my bill received from across the political spectrum shows that people still strongly believe that laws exist to protect the innocent as well as to punish the guilty."

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