What is asset forfeiture?

Asset forfeiture is a legal procedure in South Carolina that allows the state or federal government to take ownership of assets that are suspected of being connected to a white-collar crime. This process is used when individuals have been accused of using property to conduct or carry out illegal activity. In order to take control of the assets, the government must prove that the property is connected to the criminal activity. Once the government has taken control of the assets, the individuals who owned the assets must seek to recover them. This is done through a civil suit. The government will have to prove by a preponderance of evidence that the assets are connected to the alleged criminal activity. Asset forfeiture is a powerful tool for law enforcement and prosecutors to disrupt criminal activity and reduce the profits associated with white collar crimes. It is important to note that asset forfeiture can be used as an alternative to criminal prosecution. This means that the property owners may never be convicted of a crime, but will still have their property seized.

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