Maricopa County Paul Petersen’s ex-wife asks lawmakers to change law that let authorities seize her homes

Raquel Petersen testifies before the House Judiciary Committee on May 20, 2020. /Photo: AZ Capitol TV

By Jessica Boehm and Andrew Oxford | Arizona Republic 

Criminal justice reform advocates are pushing state legislation that would make it more difficult for government agencies to seize someone’s assets before they are convicted of a crime.

State law currently allows law enforcement and prosecutors to seize someone’s house, vehicles and other assets before they are convicted. Prosecutors argue this is necessary to ensure criminals do not sell off or hide assets that could be used to pay restitution if they are convicted. 

But reform advocates say seizing someone’s assets before they are found guilty violates people’s rights and limits their financial ability to defend themselves. 

Sen. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, is sponsoring a bill that would clamp down on pre-conviction seizures.

READ ON:

Share this!

Additional Articles

Top master-planned communities for 2024

By AZ Big Media Here are the Top 10 master-planned communities in Arizona, based on public voting for the 2024 edition of Ranking Arizona, the state’s biggest and most comprehensive business opinion poll. Ranking Arizona

Read More »
News Categories

Get Our Twice Weekly Newsletter!

* indicates required

Rose Law Group pc values “outrageous client service.” We pride ourselves on hyper-responsiveness to our clients’ needs and an extraordinary record of success in achieving our clients’ goals. We know we get results and our list of outstanding clients speaks to the quality of our work.