The procedure in which forfeiture will be handled, and if the proceedings are “criminal” or “civil” in nature, will differ significantly from state to state. It is usually advisable to seek assistance from an experienced Richmond Hill, GA forfeiture law firm, if you are facing any kind of forfeiture proceding. Criminal forfeiture occurs when, after the owner is convicted of a criminal offense, and if forfeiture is possible under the laws of the prosecuting state, it is shown that your property has a sufficient connection to the criminal activity to mandate depriving the owner of the property rights. For instance, your state can have a rule that provides the judge the right to forfeit your vehicle, when you are convicted of drunk driving. The prosecutor’s office may seek forfeiture of the properties even your business or home when you are convicted of certain crimes, like drug trafficking or racketeering. Civil forfeiture is very much like criminal forfeiture in many ways. However, whereas criminal forfeiture means to impose an extra penalty on the owner of property for the wrongful conduct, a civil forfeiture action is brought against the property itself. For criminal forfeiture to be initiated, the property’s owner must be convicted of a crime, however civil forfeiture may occur although the owner is acquitted.
————————-Savannah GA DUI Lawyer – Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney
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