ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—New Mexicans ended civil forfeiture this summer, or so they thought. Despite passing landmark legislation outlawing the use of civil forfeiture statewide, cities across the state are ignoring the law and continue to seize and keep individual’s property without convicting them of a crime. Now, a lawsuit filed today by a bipartisan pair of New Mexico State Senators seeks to shut down the city’s illegal civil forfeiture program once and for all. READ MORE
Senator Lisa Torraco, a Republican representing Bernalillo County, was the initial sponsor for the Forfeiture Reform Law in the State Senate. She worked behind the scenes to secure support for the bill among her colleagues. And, when the bill was first presented on the floor of the Senate, it was presented in association with her name. READ MORE
ALBUQUERQUE (CN) — A federal judge refused Albuquerque’s request to dismiss a lawsuit that claims the city “polices for profit” by seizing vehicles for civil offenses.
The civil forfeiture program has been just one aspect of unpopular police actions in Albuquerque. The program drew attention in 2014 through a video of the Santa Fe Vehicle Forfeiture Conference, in which attorneys discussed the profitability of the practice. READ MORE
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Prosecutors have dropped several charges against a teenager accused of taking part in a shooting that left another teen paralyzed after an interview with the person shot contradicted the Albuquerque Police Department’s investigation. READ MORE
Lisa Torraco is a regular radio commentator on Criminal Justice and crime issues.
Nick Sibilla, Writer & Legislative Analyst / JANUARY 15, 2016
In a sweeping reform, New Mexico enacted legislation to require a criminal conviction as a prerequisite to forfeiture, and direct any forfeiture revenue to the general fund last year. But law enforcement agencies have been refusing to abide by the new Forfeiture Reform Law. READ MORE.
Lisa Torraco: Criminal Justice Reform on The Morning Brew
Senator Daniel Ivey-Soto and Senator Lisa Torraco Interview
There Is No Calling Greater Than To Exonerate An Innocent Man