Asset Forfeiture

When an individual is convicted of a crime, the government can seize assets related to that crime. This process is known as “asset forfeiture.”

Items that can be seized if they are the proceeds of a crime include homes, cars, jewelry, etc. Nearly anything that has been purchased with money obtained through some sort of illegal purpose can be seized via asset forfeiture.

The instrumentalities of a crime are items or properties that were used to facilitate the crime. Items that have, historically, been seized as being an instrumentality of a crime include cars, particularly those that were used to transport contraband like drugs.

The federal program for asset forfeiture is a nationwide program that is run by the Department of Justice. According to the DOJ, the program continues “to be an effective and powerful strategy in the fight against crime.”

When enacting the asset forfeiture program, the Department of Justice sought to create powers that enhance the public’s safety and security. This goal is accomplished by removing the proceeds of crime and other assets that have been relied upon by criminals and their “associates.” By removing the vehicles of crime, the Department of Justice seeks to impede the ability of criminals to act against the country.

If the Department of Justice seeks to force someone to forfeit his or her assets, the forfeiture can proceed through either administrative processes or judicial processes. For the Department of Justice to seize properties, however, the case that led to a conviction must have been developed by enforcement officials of certain agencies that are part of the federal government.

Contact a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of a crime and concerned not only for your freedom but your assets, contact the Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys of Palmer & Associates, P.C., at 702-888-2222.