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Asset Seizure Utilized by Los Angeles City Council

By Steven Rodriguez

One legal tool authorities use to fight crime is asset seizure and asset forfeiture.  Federal and California forfeiture laws allow the government/law enforcement to seize personal property and assets believed to be connected to criminal activity.  This can be a highly controversial action, because it may affect more than the alleged criminals.  It could do harm to their families as well.  It is also a challenge to prove what items were and were not purchased using money from illegal activities.  For example, police have attempted to claim the houses of those who are committing crimes, and the burden of proving what money was used on the house purchase is placed on the defense. In a legal move that city officials characterized as the first of its kind in the state, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo’s office has secured a $5 million civil judgment against the Downtown-based Fifth and Hill gang...continue to full post

Full post as published by LA Criminal Defense Blog on January 20, 2009 (boomark / email).