Rebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American Law

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Rebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American Law

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  • Is Terry Richmond Based on a Real Person?
  • Civil Asset Forfeiture Goes Back to the 1600s

As a marine veteran myself, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for Stephen Lara and others who have been victimized by civil asset forfeiture. Having traveled cross country to visit my own daughters, it’s chilling to think that such an unjust act could happen to anyone.

In his fifth film, director Jeremy Saulnier is adding another powerful entry to his collection with the 2024 Netflix exclusive, “Rebel Ridge.” Some are likening this movie to a more methodical and thoughtful version of Amazon’s hit series, Reacher. Critics particularly praise actor Aaron Pierre’s portrayal of Terry Richmond, a character who fights against corrupt local law enforcement without resorting to violence. While “Rebel Ridge” can be categorized as an action thriller, it offers much more in terms of visual and thematic depth. The cinematography, with its slow-tracking camera sequences and single-take shots, sets it apart from other genre films. Moreover, the surprising and thought-provoking premise swiftly propels the movie into a realm of contemporary injustice.

In the opening minutes, viewers see Terry Richmond’s harrowing ordeal. He’s cycling towards Shelby Springs (a part of Calera, Alabama), heading to the courthouse to bail out his cousin, when a police cruiser suddenly collides with him. Instead of offering assistance, the officers involved arrest Richmond and search his possessions, discovering $36,000 in cash—money crucial for them to begin anew. Remarkably, these law enforcement officials take this substantial amount under a legal process called asset forfeiture, specifically civil asset forfeiture.

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Seizing Money From a Former Marine in Rebel Ridge

Rebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American LawRebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American LawRebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American Law

At a later point, during a brief encounter at a fast-food restaurant, court clerk Summer McBride (portrayed by AnnaSophia Robb) succinctly explains to Richmond the current distribution of his funds. She mentions that “Chief” retains the profits, which he uses for flexible expenses, leaving Richmond puzzled about the term’s meaning. This explanation simplifies complex legal jargon for the viewer, and Richmond is rightfully taken aback upon learning that not only have they taken his money but also have the authority to keep it.

Although it might seem outdated, in today’s world, this actual procedure involves law enforcement agencies taking possession (as if by right) of properties once considered private due to their alleged involvement in criminal activities. This practice, particularly effective in the illicit drug trade, has its proponents who argue that civil forfeiture serves to hurt suspected wrongdoers and bolster law and order financially. A research on Georgia’s experience with this process indicates that authorities confiscated approximately $51 million and spent more than half of it within a three-year span.

Is Terry Richmond Based on a Real Person?

Rebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American LawRebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American LawRebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American Law

In my story, as I tirelessly strive to save my cousin from the harsh confines of the correctional facility, Rebel Ridge’s Richmond metamorphoses into a tenacious one-man force. However, this transformation comes with a heavy burden, exposing the crushing weight one bears when their assets are forfeited. It’s not that every individual (or entity) confronted by such circumstances requires what was confiscated so desperately. Consider, for example, the situation of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, whose church was taken over by the State of Texas, or Douglas Latchford, whose estate had a $12 million civil forfeiture settlement levied against it due to his illicit antiques trafficking.

But in other situations, going through an unforeseen and unwarranted asset forfeiture could undo someone’s entire life. In February 2021, for instance, a man named Stephen Lara was pulled over in Nevada. Without charges or arrest, the officers involved in the situation took the man’s life savings (which he had official withdrawal documentation for) and left him penniless on the side of the road. As a marine veteran traveling cross country to visit his daughters, he is now suing the state for this heinous act and trying to ensure that no citizen of Nevada will ever have to go through what he did.

Civil Asset Forfeiture Goes Back to the 1600s

Rebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American LawRebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American LawRebel Ridge Exploits a Terrifying American Law

In the series Rebel Ridge, it’s evident that such seizures can and do lead to conflicts of interest among law enforcement officers, making this a potentially alarming legal procedure. As depicted by Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne, the entire force is driven to engage in such actions due to budget constraints imposed from above. Leaving the cinematic world aside, it’s worth noting that Nevada, where Stephen Lara was apprehended, is among the 11 states where all proceeds from civil asset forfeiture are channeled towards law enforcement, suggesting that the scenarios portrayed in this show may not be too far-fetched.

Historically, the practice of civil forfeiture has been in place since the 1600s, when British authorities would seize American ships and their contents if they failed to fly the British flag. Saulnier’s latest film has shed light on this contentious issue through a combination of corrupt racial profiling and an exciting action narrative that audiences are eagerly anticipating. Since its release on September 6, interest in “Civil forfeiture in the United States” has surged significantly (as indicated by Google Trends). Many people were unaware of this legal process, which is a concerning reality. It’s interesting to note that Netflix seems to have educated the American public about this matter before the government did. Rebel Ridge can now be streamed on Netflix.

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2024-09-14 04:01