This tactic, which has become infamous due to its abuse in drug cases, allows the police to seize property without convicting, or even indicting, its owner of any crime.

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"Without this chop, an owner cannot sell the property, " the artist said.

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Hartline has been charged with taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and receiving known stolen property, court records said.

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The owner of a property has the right to eject squatters without serving notice or applying to a court for an eviction order.

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Mr. Ragonese said that paying every property owner would "bankrupt" the state, and that property owners should give up easements without money or concessions because they are protecting the property.

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