Bill would let police seize cars Habitual offenders targets of legislation

AUGUSTA – Every court in the state faces the problem of habitual offenders, those who continue to drive even after being convicted of multiple motor vehicle offenses and losing their licenses. On Tuesday, the Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee considered a bill that would allow police to seize the vehicles of those who ignore the state’s motor vehicle laws.

Police now have the power to seize the vehicles used in illegal drug operations. But Rep. Thomas Bull, D-Freeport, sponsored a bill, LD 272, which would extend the practice to habitual offenders. Bull said the forfeiture of vehicles might add “one extra tool” to combat the problem of habitual offenders who cause serious injury and death to innocent people.

In dealing with the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Motor Vehicles, a number of problems arose with the bill, he said. Taking a car away from a family would penalize innocent parties as well as the habitual offender, he said. It also has yet to be determined who would benefit from the seizures, he acknowledged.

The bill was opposed by Joan Sturmthal of the Maine Civil Liberties Union, who opposed law enforcement agencies’ benefiting from seizure of any property.

That comment angered several committee members.

Sen. William B. O’Gara, D-Westbrook, said, “I would hope that this Legislature has the courage to conclude that the safety of all of its drivers is more important than the civil rights of a habitual offender.”

Rep. Patricia A. Blanchette, D-Bangor, said that if vehicle seizures worked as a tool against drug offenders, the practice should work to deter habitual motor vehicle offenders.

The committee will consider statistics on crimes committed by habitual offenders and tactics adopted by other states at a work session at 1 p.m. Thursday in Room 211 of the State Office Building.