Seizure

Massachusetts Court Examines the Boundaries of Privacy: Implications of Search and Seizure in Curtilage Cases

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BOSTON — Legal boundaries in search and seizure law were clarified following a recent decision regarding the concept of curtilage, which relates to the area surrounding a home where privacy expectations are significant. The ruling underscores the importance of understanding these boundaries as they pertain to the Fourth Amendment rights of citizens. Curtilage is defined as the land immediately surrounding a dwelling, which is considered part of the home for legal purposes. This area typically includes gardens, driveways, and other locations closely associated with family life. Recently, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court deliberated on a … Read more

Colorado Court Orders Review of Police’s Seizure of Man’s Vehicle Following Resolved Criminal Charges

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Lakewood, Colorado — A recent ruling by Colorado’s Court of Appeals has prompted a Jefferson County judge to re-evaluate a request concerning a seized vehicle linked to a criminal case. This decision comes after the case against Kameron Murphy reached a resolution, yet his car remains in police custody. Murphy’s troubles began in September 2022 when he faced charges related to the concerning circumstances surrounding the death of his girlfriend. Though police arrested him for tampering with evidence, he was not charged with homicide. By June 2023, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of … Read more

Bellingham Residents Sue City After Motorhome Seizure Sparks Legal Battle Over Rights and Due Process

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BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Bellingham and several of its employees, alleging unlawful seizure and destruction of a motorhome. The plaintiffs, Jerry and Terri-Lynn Land, assert that city officials improperly classified their motorhome as a “junk vehicle,” leading to its removal without due process. Jerry and Terri-Lynn Land resided in their motorhome for several years before it was taken in 2023. The couple claims city employees did not verify the operability of the vehicle prior to its designation as junk, denying them a chance to contest this ruling. … Read more

Historic Ruling in Cayo Coco: Cuban American Family Wins $30 Million Against Expedia Over Land Seizure

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Cayo Coco, Cuba—A small island known for its stunning beaches and rich history has become the center of a significant legal battle, as descendants of Cuban exiles seek justice for property confiscated after Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution. Once a serene locale that inspired famed author Ernest Hemingway, Cayo Coco has transformed over the years into a bustling tourist destination. The recent $30 million verdict awarded to Mario Echeverría, a Miami resident and member of a Cuban American family, marks a pivotal moment in this longstanding struggle for restitution. A federal jury found that travel giant … Read more