Marijuana and Assets

[Attorney007]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Pennsylvania. Is it true that if you are involved in a major drug bust, the DEA can take all your assets, including your house and your cars? I don't think that's right.

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Pennsylvania. Is it true that if you are involved in a major drug bust, the DEA can take all your assets, including your house and your cars? I don't think that's right.

Its partially correct. Under the RICO act they can seize any assets involved in the crime, as well as any assets purchased with crime money.

 

[Antigone*]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Pennsylvania. Is it true that if you are involved in a major drug bust, the DEA can take all your assets, including your house and your cars? I don't think that's right.

Well, Mr. Attorney007, Since you made this personal by telling us what you think is right, I'll give you my opinion. I don't think it is right that people are involved in drugs


Drug dealers should lose it all.

 

[TigerD]

You don't even have to be involved with a crime.

google civil asset forfeiture.

DC

 

[Attorney007]

Its partially correct. Under the RICO act they can seize any assets involved in the crime, as well as any assets purchased with crime money.

Thanks for all your replies. Ok, so can someone elaborate on this? How can they prove something is purchased with crime money?

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

Thanks for all your replies. Ok, so can someone elaborate on this? How can they prove something is purchased with crime money?

They do not have to. They only need to prove you profited from drugs. You need to prove the items were not purchased with drug money to get them back.

 

[Attorney007]

They do not have to. They only need to prove you profited from drugs. You need to prove the items were not purchased with drug money to get them back.

Hmm.. Ok, I just find this very interesting, but I think I'm thinking about it at an extreme. Say that someone sells a friend a small amount of marijuana and then the police happen to see it and bust them. Does that mean they are going to come and take your house or your car? I mean if you have a steady job and that is where you make your money, then is something like this likely, or is this more if you have a major operation going on? Does anyone have an example of when they would do something like this by any chance... ? Thanks.