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Public defenders and property‑rights groups back conviction requirement for forfeiture; police chiefs caution on investigations
Summary
House Bill 7,289 would require a criminal conviction before property forfeiture in many controlled‑substance cases, eliminating certain administrative forfeiture procedures. Public defenders and Institute for Justice supported the change; the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association opposed it, citing investigative needs and courtroom efficiency.
Representative Place presented House Bill 7,289 to require criminal forfeiture (a conviction) before property can be permanently forfeited in certain controlled‑substances cases, ending aspects of civil and administrative forfeiture for those offenses.
Angela Yingling of the public defender’s office described practical harms experienced by indigent clients who lose property without meaningful notice…
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