NCJ Number
95413
Date Published
1982
Length
379 pages
Annotation
These congressional hearings held in September 1981 and March 1982 focused on the forfeiture of assets as a sanction for racketeering offenses involving the violation of drug laws.
Abstract
The discussion focused on H.R. 2646, which would amend Federal law to establish a presumption that all of the assets owned by a person after conviction were acquired through the dealing and trafficking in illegal narcotics or controlled substances. It would put the burden of proof on the party to establish that the assets came from some other source. The forfeiture proceeds would be used to implement and carry out further drug enforcement. Witnesses included Federal officials, senators and congressmen, attorneys, and a law professor. While the witnesses generally supported the concept of forfeiture, some criticized the bill as being too broad and lacking in specifics in some areas. Prepared statements from these and other witnesses, an analysis of the existing Federal laws on criminal forfeitures, court orders, and related materials are supplied.