Scary laws for states that are strapped for cash. If you get stopped in Louisiana by cops, and you have money on you, you better be able to show that the money is yours, and how you obtained it.... if not, the cops will confiscate your money.
The ruling came down from the Louisiana Supreme Court after a motorist for stopped by a State Trooper. The Trooper was given permission to search the car, and he found $144,320 hidden away in the minivan. The driver, Tina Beers, had no reasonable explanation for the money, and despite the fact they found no drugs, and the seizure was no warranted, the cops were allowed to keep the money.
Chief Justice Catherine Kimball decided that if you could not prove that the money was obtained legally, it would probably be from a criminal enterprise, and you would have to hand over the money. No criminal charges were filed against Beers, she just lost the money.
Since this is now a legal precedent, if you get stopped in Louisiana and you've got money on you, you stand the forfeit it. This way you get to fund the Police. Let's face it, they need the cash.... see it as a tax...
You'll find a PDF file at the Via: below with the verdict. Scary.
Via: The Newspaper
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