Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Criminal Law Blogs -> LA Criminal Defense Blog

Criminal Law

: LA Criminal Defense Blog

Asset Forfeiture and Seizure, How It Works

By Steven Rodriguez

Asset forfeiture is a term used to describe the confiscation of assets, by the State, which are either (a) the proceeds of crime or (b) the instrumentalities of crime. Instrumentalities of crime are property that was used to facilitate crime, for example cars used to transport illegal narcotics. The terminology used in different jurisdictions varies. Some jurisdictions use the term “confiscation” instead of forfeiture. The police can take your house, car, boat, jewelry and cash, without paying for it, even if you haven’t been charged with a crime.  They can keep your property for as long as they want. You’ll need to file a claim to try and get it back. Generally under California law, you have 30 days to respond to a notice of seizure or notice of forfeiture proceedings...continue to full post

Full post as published by LA Criminal Defense Blog on September 08, 2008 (boomark / email).