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House Engrossed
civil asset forfeiture; conviction; procedures |
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State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session 2021
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CHAPTER 327
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HOUSE BILL 2810 |
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AN ACT
amending sections 13-2314, 13-2314.01, 13-2314.03, 13-3413, 13-3914, 13-3919, 13-3920, 13-3921, 13-3942, 13-4301, 13-4303, 13-4304, 13-4305, 13-4306, 13-4307 and 13-4308, Arizona Revised Statutes; repealing section 13-4309, Arizona Revised Statutes; amending title 13, chapter 39, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding a new section 13-4309; amending sections 13-4310, 13-4311, 13-4312, 13-4314, 13-4315 and 41-2407, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to forfeiture.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Section 13-2314, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-2314. Racketeering; civil remedies by this state; definitions
A. The attorney general or a county attorney may file an action in superior court on behalf of a person who sustains injury to his person, business or property by racketeering as defined by section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or by a violation of section 13-2312 for the recovery of treble damages and the costs of the suit, including reasonable attorney fees, or to prevent, restrain or remedy racketeering as defined by section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or a violation of section 13-2312. If the person against whom a racketeering claim has been asserted, including a forfeiture action or lien, prevails on that claim, the person may be awarded costs and reasonable attorney fees incurred in defense of that claim. In actions filed by the state or a county, awards of costs and reasonable attorney fees are to be assessed against and paid from monies acquired pursuant to sections 13-2314.01 and 13-2314.03.
B. The superior court has jurisdiction to prevent, restrain and remedy racketeering as defined by section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or a violation of section 13-2312 after making provision for the rights of any person who sustained injury to his person, business or property by the racketeering conduct and after a hearing or trial, as appropriate, by issuing appropriate orders.
C. Before a determination of liability the orders may include issuing seizure warrants, entering findings of probable cause for in personam or in rem forfeiture, entering restraining orders or prohibitions or taking such other actions, including the acceptance of satisfactory performance bonds, the creation of receiverships and the enforcement of constructive trusts, in connection with any property or other interest subject to forfeiture, damages or other remedies or restraints pursuant to this section as the court deems proper.
D. Following a determination of liability the orders may include:
1. Ordering any person to divest himself of any interest, direct or indirect, in any enterprise.
2. Imposing reasonable restrictions on the future activities or investments of any person, including prohibiting any person from engaging in the same type of endeavor as the enterprise engaged in, the activities of which affect the laws of this state, to the extent the constitutions of the United States and this state permit allow.
3. Ordering dissolution or reorganization of any enterprise.
4. Ordering the payment of treble damages to those persons injured by racketeering as defined by section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or a violation of section 13-2312.
5. Ordering the payment of all costs and expenses of the prosecution and investigation of any offense included in the definition of racketeering in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or a violation of section 13-2312, civil and criminal, including reasonable attorney fees, to be paid to the general fund of the state or the county which that brings the action.
6. In personam forfeiture pursuant to chapter 39 of this title to the general fund of the state or county, as appropriate, to the extent that forfeiture is not inconsistent with protecting the rights of any person who sustained injury to his person, business or property by the racketeering conduct, of the interest of a person in:
(a) Any property or interest in property acquired or maintained by the person in violation of section 13-2312.
(b) Any interest in, security of, claims against or property, office, title, license or contractual right of any kind affording a source of influence over any enterprise or other property that the person has acquired or maintained an interest in or control of, conducted or participated in the conduct of in violation of section 13-2312.
(c) All proceeds traceable to an offense included in the definition of racketeering in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 and held by the person and all monies, negotiable instruments, securities and other property used or intended to be used by the person in any manner or part to facilitate commission of the offense and that the person either owned or controlled for the purpose of that use.
(d) Any other property up to the value of the subject property described in subdivision (a), (b) or (c) of this paragraph.
7. Payment to the general fund of the state or county as appropriate of an amount equal to the gain that was acquired or maintained through an offense included in the definition of racketeering in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or a violation of section 13-2312 or that any person is liable for under this section.
E. A person who is liable for conduct described in subsection D, paragraph 6, subdivision (a), (b) or (c) of this section is liable for the total value of all interests in property described in those subdivisions. The court shall enter an order of forfeiture against the person in the amount of the total value of all those interests less the value of any interests that are forfeited before or at the time of the entry of the final judgment.
F. A person or enterprise that acquires any property through an offense included in the definition of racketeering in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or through a violation of section 13-2312 is an involuntary trustee. The involuntary trustee and any other person or enterprise, except a bona fide purchaser for value who is reasonably without notice of the unlawful conduct and who is not knowingly taking part in an illegal transaction, hold the property, its proceeds and its fruits in constructive trust for the benefit of persons entitled to remedies under this section.
G. In addition to an action under this section the attorney general or a county attorney may file an in rem action pursuant to chapter 39 of this title for forfeiture, to the extent that forfeiture is not inconsistent with protecting the rights of any person who sustained injury to his person, business or property by the racketeering conduct, of:
1. Any property or interest in property acquired or maintained by a person in violation of section 13-2312.
2. Any interest in, security of, claims against or property, office, title, license or contractual right of any kind affording a source of influence over any enterprise or other property that a person has acquired or maintained an interest in or control of, conducted or participated in the conduct of in violation of section 13-2312.
3. All proceeds traceable to an offense included in the definition of racketeering in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 and all monies, negotiable instruments, securities and other property used or intended to be used in any manner or part to facilitate the commission of the offense.
H. G. A defendant convicted in any criminal proceeding shall be precluded from subsequently denying the essential allegations of the criminal offense of which he was convicted in any civil proceeding. For the purposes of this subsection, a conviction may result from a verdict or plea including a no contest plea.
I. H. Notwithstanding any law creating a lesser period, the initiation of civil proceedings related to violations of any offense included in the definition of racketeering in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or a violation of section 13-2312, including procedures pursuant to chapter 39 of this title, shall be commenced within seven years after actual discovery of the violation.
J. I. In any civil action brought pursuant to this section, the attorney general or a county attorney may file with the clerk of the superior court a certificate stating that the case is of special public importance. A copy of that certificate shall be furnished immediately by such the clerk to the chief judge or presiding chief judge of the superior court in the county in which such the action is pending, and, upon on receipt of such the copy, the judge shall immediately designate a judge to hear and determine the action. The judge so designated shall promptly assign such the action for hearing, participate in the hearings and determination and cause the action to be expedited.
K. J. The standard of proof in actions brought pursuant to this section is the preponderance of the evidence test, except that the standard of proof for an order under subsection D, paragraph 6 of this section is the standard of proof that is applicable for an in personam forfeiture as set forth in chapter 39 of this title and the standard of proof for an in rem forfeiture under subsection G of this section is the standard of proof that is applicable to an in rem forfeiture as set forth in chapter 39 of this title.
L. A civil action authorized by this section, including proceedings pursuant to chapter 39 of this title, is remedial and not punitive and does not limit and is not limited by any other previous or subsequent civil or criminal action under this title or any other provision of law. Civil remedies provided under this title are supplemental and not mutually exclusive.
M. K. The attorney general may appear as amicus curiae in any proceeding in which a claim under this section has been asserted, including proceedings pursuant to chapter 39 of this title, or in which the court is interpreting this chapter or chapter 39 of this title. A party who files a notice of appeal from a civil action brought under this chapter or chapter 39 of this title shall serve the notice and one copy of the appellant's brief on the attorney general at the time the person files the appellant's brief with the court. This requirement is jurisdictional.
N. L. For the purposes of this section and section 13-2312:
1. "Acquire" means for a person to do any of the following:
(a) Possess.
(b) Act so as to exclude other persons from using their property except on his own terms.
(c) Bring about or receive the transfer of any interest in property, whether to himself or to another person, or to secure performance of a service.
2. "Gain" means any benefit, interest or property of any kind without reduction for expenses of acquiring or maintaining it or incurred for any other reason.
3. "Proceeds" includes any interest in property of any kind acquired through or caused by an act or omission, or derived from the act or omission, directly or indirectly, and any fruits of this interest, in whatever form.
Sec. 2. Section 13-2314.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-2314.01. Anti-racketeering revolving fund; use of monies; reports; audit
A. The anti-racketeering revolving fund is established. The attorney general shall administer the fund under the conditions and for the purposes provided by this section. Monies in the fund are exempt from the lapsing provisions of section 35-190.
B. Any prosecution and investigation costs, including attorney fees, that are recovered for the state by the attorney general as a result of enforcement of civil and criminal statutes pertaining to any offense included in the definition of racketeering in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or section 13-2312, whether by final judgment, settlement or otherwise, shall be deposited in the fund established by this section.
C. Any monies received by any department or agency of this state or any political subdivision of this state from any department or agency of the United States or another state as a result of participation in any investigation or prosecution, whether by final judgment, settlement or otherwise, shall be deposited in the fund established by this section or, if the recipient is a political subdivision of this state, may be deposited in the fund established pursuant to section 13-2314.03.
D. Any monies obtained as a result of a forfeiture by any department or agency of this state under this title or under federal law shall be deposited in the fund established by this section. Any monies or other property obtained as a result of a forfeiture by any political subdivision of this state or the federal government may be deposited in the fund established by this section. Monies deposited in the fund pursuant to this section or section 13-4315 shall accrue interest and shall be held for the benefit of the agency or agencies responsible for the seizure or forfeiture to the extent of their contribution.
E. Except as provided in subsections H and I of this section, the monies and interest shall be distributed within thirty days after application to the agency or agencies responsible for the seizure or forfeiture. The agency or agencies applying for monies must submit an application in writing to the attorney general that includes a description of what the requested monies will be used for. The attorney general may deny an application that requests monies for a purpose that is not authorized by this section, section 13-4315 or federal law. Monies in the fund used by the attorney general for capital projects in excess of $1,000,000 are subject to review by the joint committee on capital review.
F. Monies in the fund may be used for the following:
1. Funding gang prevention programs, substance abuse prevention programs, substance abuse education programs, programs that provide assistance to victims of a criminal offense that is listed in section 13-2301 and witness protection pursuant to section 41-196 or for any purpose permitted by federal law relating to disposing of any property that is transferred to a law enforcement agency.
2. Investigating and prosecuting any offense included in the definition of racketeering in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or section 13-2312, including civil enforcement.
3. Paying the relocation expenses of any law enforcement officer and the officer's immediate family if the law enforcement officer is the victim of a bona fide threat that occurred because of the law enforcement officer's duties.
4. Paying the costs of the reports, audits and application approvals that are required by this section.
G. Notwithstanding subsection F of this section, beginning from and after August 27, 2019 2024, the attorney general may not use monies from the fund to pay salaries for more than sixteen full-time equivalent positions in the attorney general's office.
H. On or before January 28, April 28, July 28 and October 28 of each year, each department or agency of this state receiving monies pursuant to this section or section 13-2314.03 or 13-4315 or from any department or agency of the United States or another state as a result of participation in any investigation or prosecution shall file with the attorney general, the board of supervisors if the sheriff received the monies and the city or town council if the city's or town's department received the monies a report for the previous calendar quarter. The report shall be in an electronic form that is prescribed by the Arizona criminal justice commission and approved by the director of the joint legislative budget committee. The report shall set forth the sources of all monies and all expenditures as required by subsection L of this section. The report shall not include any identifying information about specific investigations. If a department or agency of this state fails to file a report within forty-five days after the report is due and there is no good cause as determined by the Arizona criminal justice commission, the attorney general shall make no expenditures from the fund for the benefit of the department or agency until the report is filed. The attorney general is responsible for collecting all reports from departments and agencies of this state and transmitting the reports to the Arizona criminal justice commission at the time that the report required pursuant to subsection I of this section is submitted.
I. On or before February 21, May 21, August 21 and November 21 of each year, the attorney general shall file with the Arizona criminal justice commission a report for the previous calendar quarter. The report shall be in an electronic form that is prescribed by the Arizona criminal justice commission and approved by the director of the joint legislative budget committee. The report shall set forth the sources of all monies and all expenditures as required by subsections K and L of this section. The report shall not include any identifying information about specific investigations. If the attorney general fails to file a report within sixty days after the report is due and there is no good cause as determined by the Arizona criminal justice commission, the attorney general shall make no expenditures from the fund for the benefit of the attorney general until the report is filed. If a political subdivision of this state fails to file a report with the county attorney pursuant to section 13-2314.03 within forty-five days after the report is due and there is no good cause as determined by the Arizona criminal justice commission, the attorney general shall make no expenditures from the fund for the benefit of the political subdivision until the report is filed.
J. On or before the last day of February, May, August and November of each year, the Arizona criminal justice commission shall compile the attorney general report and the reports of all departments and agencies of this state into a single comprehensive report for the previous calendar quarter and shall submit an electronic copy of the report to the governor, the director of the department of administration, the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the director of the joint legislative budget committee and the secretary of state.
K. The report that is required by subsection I of this section must include all of the following information if monies were obtained as a result of a forfeiture:
1. The name of the law enforcement agency that seized the property.
2. The date of the seizure for forfeiture.
3. The type of property seized and a description of the property seized, including, if applicable, the make, the model and the serial number of the property.
4. The location of the original seizure by law enforcement.
5. The estimated value of the property seized for forfeiture, not excluding encumbrances.
6. The criminal statute that allowed the seizure for forfeiture.
7. The criminal statute charged in any the criminal case that is related to the forfeiture case, if known at the time of the report.
8. The court case number of any the criminal case that is related to the forfeiture case, if known at the time of the report.
9. The outcome of any the criminal case that is related to the forfeiture case, if known at the time of the report.
10. If the property was seized by a state agency and submitted for state forfeiture proceedings but was transferred to federal authorities for forfeiture proceedings, the reason for the federal transfer.
11. The forfeiture case number.
12. The method of forfeiture proceeding, including whether it was criminal or civil, and if civil, whether the civil forfeiture was judicial or uncontested pursuant to section 13-4309 a claim was filed by an owner or interest holder.
13. The venue of the forfeiture action.
14. Whether a person or entity filed a claim or counterclaim or submitted a petition asserting an interest in the property as an owner, interest holder or injured person.
15. Whether the owner, interest holder or injured person was assisted by an attorney in the forfeiture case.
16. The date of the forfeiture decision.
17. Whether there was a forfeiture settlement agreement.
18. Whether the property was awarded or partially awarded to the owner, partial owner or injured person or if the property was forfeited to the state.
19. Whether the property was sold, destroyed or retained by law enforcement.
20. The earliest date that the property was disposed of or sent for disposition.
21. The net amount of monies and proceeds received from the forfeiture.
22. The estimated administrative and storage costs and any other costs, including any costs of litigation.
23. The amount of attorney fees, costs, expenses and damages awarded and to whom the fees, costs, expenses or damages were awarded.
L. The reports that are required by subsections H and I of this section must include the following information with regard to all expenditures made from the fund for:
1. Crime, gang and substance abuse prevention programs.
2. Any injured person as defined in section 13-4301.
3. Witness protection.
4. Investigation costs, including informant fees and buy money.
5. Regular-time salaries, overtime pay and employee benefits of prosecutors.
6. Regular-time salaries, overtime pay and employee benefits of sworn law enforcement agency personnel other than prosecutors.
7. Regular-time salaries, overtime pay and employee benefits of unsworn law enforcement agency personnel other than prosecutors.
8. Professional or outside services, including services related to auditing, outside attorney fees, court reporting, expert witnesses and other court costs.
9. Travel and meals.
10. Training.
11. Conferences.
12. Vehicles purchased or leased.
13. Vehicle maintenance.
14. Canines, firearms and related equipment, including tactical gear.
15. Other capital expenditures, including furniture, computers and office equipment.
16. External publications and communications.
17. Other operating expenses, including office supplies, postage and printing. Expenses listed under this paragraph must be separately categorized.
M. Beginning in 2018 and every other year thereafter, the auditor general shall conduct a performance audit, as defined in section 41-1278, and a financial audit of the attorney general's use of monies in the fund. The audits must include all expenditures that were made by the attorney general's office from the fund for the previous two years. The auditor general shall submit copies of the performance and financial audits to the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives and the chairpersons of the senate judiciary committee and the house of representatives judiciary and public safety committee, or their successor committees. The attorney general shall pay any fees and costs of the audits under this section from the fund.
Sec. 3. Section 13-2314.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-2314.03. County anti-racketeering revolving fund; use of fund; reports
A. The board of supervisors of a county shall establish a county anti-racketeering revolving fund administered by the county attorney under the conditions and for the purposes provided by this section.
B. Any prosecution and investigation costs, including attorney fees, recovered for the county as a result of enforcement of civil and criminal statutes pertaining to any offense included in the definition of racketeering in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or section 13-2312, whether by final judgment, settlement or otherwise, shall be deposited in the fund established by the board of supervisors.
C. Any monies received by any department or agency of this state or any political subdivision of this state from any department or agency of the United States or another state as a result of participation in any investigation or prosecution, whether by final judgment, settlement or otherwise, shall be deposited in the fund established pursuant to this section or in the fund established by section 13-2314.01.
D. Any monies obtained as a result of a forfeiture by the county attorney under this title or under federal law shall be deposited in the fund established pursuant to this section. Any monies or other property obtained as a result of a forfeiture by any political subdivision of this state or the federal government may shall be deposited in the fund established pursuant to this section or in the fund established by section 13-2314.01. Monies deposited in the fund pursuant to this section or section 13-4315 shall accrue interest and shall be held for the benefit of the agency or agencies responsible for the seizure or forfeiture to the extent of their contribution.
E. Except as provided in subsections G and H of this section, the monies and interest shall be distributed to the agency or agencies responsible for the seizure or forfeiture within thirty days of application. The agency or agencies applying for monies must submit an application in writing to the county attorney that includes a description of what the requested monies will be used for. The county attorney may shall deny an application that requests monies for a purpose that is not authorized by this section, section 13-4315 or federal law. Except in an emergency, before the county attorney's office may use any monies from the fund, the county attorney shall submit an application that includes a description of what the requested monies will be used for to the board of supervisors. The board of supervisors shall approve the county attorney's use of the monies if the purpose is authorized by this section, section 13-4315 or federal law. If an application is not submitted to the board of supervisors before the county attorney's office uses monies from the fund because of an emergency, the application must be submitted to the board of supervisors within a reasonable amount of time after the monies are used. The board of supervisors, at its next meeting, shall review and ratify, if appropriate, the county attorney's use of the monies. The board of supervisors may retain outside counsel, if necessary, to approve, review or ratify the county attorney's use of the monies.
F. Monies in the fund may be used for the funding of gang prevention programs, substance abuse prevention programs, substance abuse education programs, programs that provide assistance to victims of a criminal offense that is listed in section 13-2301 and witness protection pursuant to section 11-536 or for any purpose permitted by federal law relating to the disposition of any property that is transferred to a law enforcement agency. Monies in the fund may be used for the investigation investigating and prosecution of prosecuting any offense included in the definition of racketeering in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or section 13-2312, including civil enforcement, and for the costs of the reports and application and expenditure reviews and approvals that are required by this section.
G. On or before February 21, May 21, August 21 and November 21 of each year, the county attorney shall file with the Arizona criminal justice commission a report for the previous calendar quarter. The report shall be in an electronic form that is prescribed by the Arizona criminal justice commission and approved by the director of the joint legislative budget committee. The report shall set forth the sources of all monies and all expenditures as required by subsections J and K of this section. The report shall not include any identifying information about specific investigations. If the county attorney fails to file a report within sixty days after it is due and there is no good cause as determined by the Arizona criminal justice commission, the county attorney shall make no expenditures from the fund for the benefit of the county attorney until the report is filed.
H. On or before January 28, April 28, July 28 and October 28 of each year, each political subdivision of this state receiving monies pursuant to this section or section 13-2314.01 or 13-4315 or from any department or agency of the United States or another state as a result of participating in any investigation or prosecution shall file with the board of supervisors of the county in which the political subdivision is located, each city or town council in which the political subdivision is located and the county attorney of the county in which the political subdivision is located a report for the previous calendar quarter. The report shall be in an electronic form that is prescribed by the Arizona criminal justice commission and approved by the director of the joint legislative budget committee. The report shall set forth the sources of all monies and all expenditures as required by subsection K of this section. The report shall not include any identifying information about specific investigations. If a political subdivision of this state fails to file a report within forty-five days after the report is due and there is no good cause as determined by the Arizona criminal justice commission, the county attorney shall make no expenditures from the fund for the benefit of the political subdivision until the report is filed. The county attorney shall be responsible for collecting all reports from political subdivisions within that county and transmitting the reports to the Arizona criminal justice commission at the time that the county report required pursuant to subsection G of this section is submitted.
I. On or before the last day of February, May, August and November of each year, the Arizona criminal justice commission shall compile all county attorney reports into a single comprehensive report for the previous calendar quarter and all political subdivision reports into a single comprehensive report for the previous calendar quarter and submit an electronic copy of each comprehensive report to the governor, the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the director of the joint legislative budget committee and the secretary of state.
J. The report that is required by subsection G of this section must include all of the following information if monies were obtained as a result of a forfeiture:
1. The name of the law enforcement agency that seized the property.
2. The date of the seizure for forfeiture.
3. The type of property seized and a description of the property seized, including, if applicable, the make, the model and the serial number of the property.
4. The location of the original seizure by law enforcement.
5. The estimated value of the property seized for forfeiture, not excluding encumbrances.
6. The criminal statute that allowed the seizure for forfeiture.
7. The criminal statute charged in any the criminal case that is related to the forfeiture case, if known at the time of the report.
8. The court case number of any the criminal case that is related to the forfeiture case, if known at the time of the report.
9. The outcome of any the criminal case that is related to the forfeiture case, if known at the time of the report.
10. If the property was seized by a state agency and submitted for state forfeiture proceedings but was transferred to federal authorities for forfeiture proceedings, the reason for the federal transfer.
11. The forfeiture case number.
12. The method of forfeiture proceeding, including whether it was criminal or civil, and if civil, whether the civil forfeiture was judicial or uncontested pursuant to section 13-4309 a claim was filed by an owner or interest holder.
13. The venue of the forfeiture action.
14. Whether a person or entity filed a claim or counterclaim or submitted a petition asserting an interest in the property as an owner, interest holder or injured person.
15. Whether the owner, interest holder or injured person was assisted by an attorney in the forfeiture case.
16. The date of the forfeiture decision.
17. Whether there was a forfeiture settlement agreement.
18. Whether the property was awarded or partially awarded to the owner, partial owner or injured person or if the property was forfeited to the state.
19. Whether the property was sold, destroyed or retained by law enforcement.
20. The earliest date that the property was disposed of or sent for disposition.
21. The net amount of monies and proceeds received from the forfeiture.
22. The estimated administrative and storage costs and any other costs, including any costs of litigation.
23. The amount of attorney fees, costs, expenses and damages awarded and to whom the fees, costs, expenses or damages were awarded.
K. The reports that are required by subsections G and H of this section must include the following information with regard to all expenditures made from the fund for:
1. Crime, gang and substance abuse prevention programs.
2. Any injured person as defined in section 13-4301.
3. Witness protection.
4. Investigation costs, including informant fees and buy money.
5. Regular-time salaries, overtime pay and employee benefits of prosecutors.
6. Regular-time salaries, overtime pay and employee benefits of sworn law enforcement agency personnel other than prosecutors.
7. Regular-time salaries, overtime pay and employee benefits of unsworn law enforcement agency personnel other than prosecutors.
8. Professional or outside services, including services related to auditing, outside attorney fees, court reporting, expert witnesses and other court costs.
9. Travel and meals.
10. Training.
11. Conferences.
12. Vehicles purchased or leased.
13. Vehicle maintenance.
14. Canines, firearms and related equipment, including tactical gear.
15. Other capital expenditures, including furniture, computers and office equipment.
16. External publications and communications.
17. Other operating expenses, including office supplies, postage and printing. Expenses listed under this paragraph must be separately categorized.
18. Any emergency use when monies were used from the fund before an application to use the monies was approved.
Sec. 4. Section 13-3413, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-3413. Forfeiture and disposition of drugs and evidence
A. The following items used or intended for use in violation of this chapter are subject to seizure and forfeiture pursuant to chapter 39 of this title:
1. Property, equipment, containers, chemicals, materials, money, books, records, research products, formulas, microfilm, tapes and data.
2. Vapor-releasing substances containing a toxic substance.
3. Vehicles to transport or in any manner facilitate the transportation, sale or receipt of, or in which is contained or possessed, any item or drug, except as provided in chapter 39 of this title.
B. The following property is subject to seizure and forfeiture pursuant to chapter 39 of this title:
1. All proceeds traceable to an offense that is included in this chapter, and that is committed for financial gain and that resulted in a criminal conviction.
2. All proceeds seized in this state and traceable to an offense that:
(a) Is chargeable or indictable Resulted in a criminal conviction under the laws of the state in which the offense occurred and, if the offense occurred in a state other than this state, would be chargeable or indictable under this chapter if the offense occurred in this state.
(b) Is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
(c) Involves prohibited drugs, marijuana or other prohibited chemicals or substances.
(d) Is committed for financial gain.
C. Peyote, dangerous drugs, prescription-only drugs, marijuana, narcotic drugs and plants from which such drugs may be derived which that are seized in connection with any violation of this chapter or which that come into the possession of a law enforcement agency are summarily forfeited.
D. When seizures of marijuana are made in excess of ten pounds or seizures of any other substance specified in subsection C of this section are made in excess of one pound in connection with any violation of this chapter the responsible law enforcement agency may retain ten pounds of the marijuana or one pound of the other substance randomly selected from the seized quantity for representation purposes as evidence. The agency may destroy the remainder of the seized marijuana or substance. Before any destruction is carried out, the responsible law enforcement agency shall photograph the material seized with identifying case numbers or other means of identification and prepare a report, identifying the seized material. The responsible law enforcement agency shall notify in writing any person arrested for a violation of this chapter or the attorney for the person at least twenty-four hours in advance that such the photography will take place and that such the person or the person's attorney may be present at such photographing of the seized material. In addition to the amount of marijuana or other substance retained for representation purposes as evidence, all photographs and records made under this section and properly identified are admissible in any court proceeding for any purpose for which the seized marijuana or substance itself would be admissible. Evidence retained after trial shall be disposed of pursuant to the rule 28, Arizona rules of criminal procedure, rule 28.
E. If a seizure is made of chemicals used for the manufacture of a narcotic drug or dangerous drug as defined by in section 13-3401 in connection with a violation of this title, the seizing agency may apply to a magistrate or superior court judge in the application for the search warrant or as soon as reasonable after the seizure for an order allowing the proper disposal or destruction of the substances, on a showing to the magistrate or superior court judge by affidavit of both of the following:
1. The substances pose a significant safety hazard to life or property because of their explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise toxic nature.
2. No adequate and safe storage facility is reasonably available to the seizing agency.
F. On a proper showing pursuant to subsection E of this section, the magistrate or superior court judge shall order the substances to be properly destroyed if the containers are first photographed. In addition the magistrate or superior court judge may order that the chemicals be sampled and the samples preserved, unless the court finds either:
1. Sampling would be unnecessary or unsafe.
2. The chemicals are in labeled or factory sealed containers.
Sec. 5. Section 13-3914, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-3914. Examination on oath; affidavits
A. Before issuing a warrant, the magistrate may examine on oath the person or persons seeking the warrant, and any witnesses produced, and must take his affidavit, or their affidavits, in writing and cause the affidavit to be subscribed by the party or parties making the affidavit. Before issuing the warrant, the magistrate may also examine any other sworn affidavit submitted to him which the magistrate that sets forth facts tending to establish probable cause for the issuance of the warrant.
B. The affidavit or affidavits must set forth the facts tending to establish the grounds of the application, or probable cause for believing the grounds exist. The person or persons seeking the warrant and the judicial officer issuing the warrant must have probable cause for believing the grounds exist.
C. In lieu of, or in addition to, a written affidavit, or affidavits, as provided in subsection A, the magistrate may take an oral statement under oath which shall be recorded on tape, wire or other comparable method. This statement may be given in person to the magistrate or by telephone, radio or other means of electronic communication. This statement is deemed to be an affidavit for the purposes of issuance of a search warrant. If a recording of the sworn statement is made, the statement shall be transcribed at the request of the court or either party, and certified by the magistrate and filed with the court.
Sec. 6. Section 13-3919, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-3919. Receipt for property; definitions
A. If an officer takes any property under the warrant, the officer shall give a detailed itemized receipt for the property taken to the person from whom it was taken or in whose possession it was found. If the property was not taken from a person it is not possible to provide the receipt to a person, the officer shall leave the receipt at the place where the property was found.
B. The court may delay for a reasonable period the service of the detailed itemized receipt required by subsection A of this section if all of the following apply:
1. The court finds that there is reasonable cause to believe that the delay is necessary to protect the safety of any person or to prevent flight from prosecution, tampering with evidence, intimidation of witnesses or jeopardizing an investigation.
2. Unless the court finds reasonable necessity for the seizure, the warrant prohibits the seizure of any tangible property, any wire or electronic communication or, except as expressly provided in section 13-3016, any stored wire or electronic information.
3. The warrant provides for service of a detailed itemized receipt within a reasonable period after the execution of the warrant. Extensions for a reasonable period of time may be granted, but only on an application and judicial finding.
C. For the purposes of this section:
1. "Electronic communication" has the same meaning prescribed in section 13-3001.
2. "Wire communication" has the same meaning prescribed in section 13-3001.
Sec. 7. Section 13-3920, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-3920. Retention of property
A. All property or things taken seized on a warrant shall be retained in the custody of the seizing officer or agency which he that the officer represents, subject to the order of the court in which the warrant was issued, or any other court in which such the property or things is sought to be used as evidence.
B. Notwithstanding section 13-3922, all property seized by a law enforcement agency in this state at any time must be returned to the owner, if known, within ten business days after the property's seizure unless any of the following applies:
1. The owner has been arrested and charged with a criminal offense subject to forfeiture.
2. The property is sought to be used as evidence.
3. It is illegal for the owner to possess the property.
4. The property was seized for forfeiture, in which case the property may be returned as prescribed by chapter 39 of this title.
Sec. 8. Section 13-3921, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-3921. Return of warrant and inventory; copy of inventory
A. The officer shall return the warrant to the magistrate and at the same time deliver to him the magistrate a written inventory of the property taken. The inventory shall be made publicly, or in the presence of the person from whose possession it was taken, and of the applicant for the warrant, if they are present. The inventory shall be verified by the affidavit of the officer which shall be taken by the magistrate at the time it is delivered to the magistrate. The affidavit shall recite that the inventory contains a true and detailed account of all the property taken.
B. The magistrate shall, if requested, deliver a copy of the inventory to the person from whose possession the property was taken and to the applicant for the warrant.
Sec. 9. Section 13-3942, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-3942. Delivery of unclaimed stolen or embezzled property to county sheriff
If property stolen or embezzled is not claimed by the owner within six months after the conviction of the person for such theft or embezzlement, the magistrate or other officer having it in custody shall, upon on payment of the necessary expenses incurred in its preservation, shall deliver it to the county sheriff, who shall sell such property in the same manner as personal property is sold under execution in a civil action pursuant to chapter 39 of this title, and the proceeds shall be paid into the county treasury.
Sec. 10. Section 13-4301, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4301. Definitions
In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Abandoned property":
(a) Means personal property that the owner has intentionally relinquished the right to and control over.
(b) Does not include property that is obtained as a result of a peace officer requesting, requiring or inducing a person to execute a document that purports to disclaim an interest in or right to the property or that relinquished interest in or rights to the property.
1. 2. "Attorney for the state" means an attorney designated by the attorney general, by a county attorney or by a city attorney to investigate, commence and prosecute an action under this chapter.
2. 3. "Commercially reasonable" means a sale or disposal that would be commercially reasonable under title 47, chapter 9, article 6.
3. 4. "Injured person" means a person who has sustained economic loss, including medical loss, as a result of injury to his person, business or property by the conduct giving rise to the forfeiture of property, and who is not an owner of or an interest holder in the property. Injured person does not include a person who is responsible for the conduct giving rise to forfeiture or a person whose interest would not be exempt from forfeiture if the person were an owner of or interest holder in the property.
4. 5. "Interest holder" means a person in whose favor there is a security interest or who is the beneficiary of a perfected encumbrance pertaining to an interest in property.
5. 6. "Owner" means a person who is not a secured party within the meaning of as defined in section 47-9102 and who has an interest in property, whether legal or equitable. A person who holds property for the benefit of or as agent or nominee for another is not an owner. A purported interest which that is not in compliance with any statute requiring its recordation or reflection in public records in order to perfect the interest against a bona fide purchaser for value shall not be recognized as an interest against this state in an action pursuant to this chapter. An owner with power to convey property binds other owners, and a spouse binds his spouse, by his act or omission.
6. 7. "Person known to have an interest" means a person whose interest in property is reflected in the public records in which his interest is required by law to be recorded or reflected in order to perfect his interest. If a person's interest in property is not required by law to be reflected in public records in order to perfect his interest in the property, a person shall be known to have an interest only if his interest can be readily ascertained at the time of the commencement of the forfeiture action commences pursuant to this chapter.
7. 8. "Personal property" includes all interests in property, as defined in section 13-105, in whatever form, except real property and fixtures as defined in section 47-9102.
8. 9. "Seizing agency" means any department or agency of this state or its political subdivisions which that regularly employs peace officers, and which that employs the peace officer who seizes property for forfeiture, or such other agency as the seizing agency may designate in a particular case by its chief executive officer or his the chief executive officer's designee.
9. 10. "Seizure for forfeiture" means seizure of property by a peace officer and either:
(a) Coupled with there is an assertion by the seizing agency or by an attorney for the state that the property is subject to forfeiture.
(b) The property has no evidentiary value.
Sec. 11. Section 13-4303, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4303. Venue
A. A civil action brought pursuant to this chapter may be brought in the county in which the property is seized or in any county in which an owner or interest holder could be civilly or is criminally complained against for the conduct alleged to give convicted of the offense that gave rise to the forfeiture seizure of the property.
B. A claimant or defendant may obtain a change of venue only under the same circumstances under which a defendant may obtain a change of venue in a criminal case.
Sec. 12. Section 13-4304, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4304. Property subject to forfeiture; exemptions; innocent owner
A. Except as provided in subsections B, C and D of this section, all property, including all interests in such property, described in a statute providing for its forfeiture is subject to forfeiture. However if both of the following apply:
1. THE OWNER IS CONVICTED OF AN OFFENSE TO WHICH FORFEITURE APPLIES.
2. THE STATE ESTABLISHES BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE THAT THE PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION E OF THIS SECTION.
1. B. No A vehicle used by any person as a common carrier in the transaction of business as a common carrier may not be forfeited under the provisions of this chapter unless it appears the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that the owner or other person in charge of the vehicle was a consenting party or privy to the act or omission giving rise to forfeiture or knew or had reason to know of it.
2. C. No A vehicle may not be forfeited under the provisions of this chapter for following a conviction for any act or for an omission established by the owner to have been committed or omitted by a person other than the owner while the vehicle was unlawfully in the possession of a person other than the owner in violation of the criminal laws of this state or of the United States.
3. D. No Property may not be forfeited pursuant to section 13-3413, subsection A, paragraph 1 or 3 if the conduct giving rise to the forfeiture seizure both:
(a) 1. Did not involve an amount of unlawful substance greater than the statutory threshold amount as defined in section 13-3401.
(b) 2. Was not committed for financial gain.
4. No owner's or interest holder's interest may be forfeited under this chapter if the owner or interest holder establishes all of the following:
(a) He acquired the interest before or during the conduct giving rise to forfeiture.
(b) He did not empower any person whose act or omission gives rise to forfeiture with legal or equitable power to convey the interest, as to a bona fide purchaser for value, and he was not married to any such person or if married to such person, held the property as separate property.
(c) He did not know and could not reasonably have known of the act or omission or that it was likely to occur.
5. No owner's or interest holder's interest may be forfeited under this chapter if the owner or interest holder establishes all of the following:
(a) He acquired the interest after the conduct giving rise to forfeiture.
(b) He is a bona fide purchaser for value not knowingly taking part in an illegal transaction.
(c) He was at the time of purchase and at all times after the purchase and before the filing of a racketeering lien notice or the provision of notice of pending forfeiture or the filing and notice of a civil or criminal proceeding under this title relating to the property, whichever is earlier, reasonably without notice of the act or omission giving rise to forfeiture and reasonably without cause to believe that the property was subject to forfeiture.
E. After a person is convicted of an offense for which forfeiture applies, a court may order the person to forfeit any of the following:
1. Property the person acquired through the commission of the offense.
2. Property directly traceable to property acquired through the commission of the offense.
3. Any property or instrumentality the person used in the commission of the offense or to facilitate the offense.
F. The court may waive the conviction requirement if the prosecuting authority shows by clear and convincing evidence that there is no known owner of the seized property, diligent efforts have been made to identify the owner of the seized property and no person has asserted an ownership interest in the seized property or that, before conviction, the defendant or alleged criminal:
1. Died.
2. No longer resides in the United States or was deported.
3. Was granted immunity or reduced punishment in exchange for testifying or assisting a law enforcement investigation or prosecution.
4. Fled the jurisdiction of this state.
5. Abandoned the property.
G. This section does not prevent property from being forfeited by the terms of a plea agreement that is approved by a court or by other agreement of the parties in a criminal proceeding.
H. A person who claims to be an innocent owner has the burden of production to show that the person either:
1. Held a legal right, title or interest in the property seized at the time the illegal conduct that gave rise to the seizure of the property occurred.
2. Acquired as a bona fide purchaser for value a legal right, title or interest in the property subject to forfeiture after the commission of the crime that gave rise to the seizure of the property.
I. If a person establishes that the person is an innocent owner pursuant to subsection H of this section and the state pursues a forfeiture proceeding with respect to that person's property, other than property described in section 13-3413 to successfully forfeit the property, the state shall prove by clear and convincing evidence that the innocent owner had actual knowledge of the underlying crime that gave rise to the forfeiture.
J. If the state is unable to prove the person is not an innocent owner as provided in subsections H and I of this section, the court shall find that the person is an innocent owner and order the state to relinquish all claims of title to the property and return the property to the innocent owner.
Sec. 13. Section 13-4305, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4305. Seizure of property
A. Property subject to forfeiture under this chapter may be seized for forfeiture by a peace officer:
1. On process issued pursuant to the Arizona rules of civil procedure or this title, including a seizure warrant.
2. By making a seizure for forfeiture on property seized on process issued pursuant to law, including sections 13-3911, 13-3912, 13-3913, 13-3914 and 13-3915.
3. By making a seizure for forfeiture without court process if the officer has probable cause to believe that the property is subject to forfeiture and any of the following is true:
(a) The seizure for forfeiture is of property seized incident to an a lawful arrest for a crime or a lawful search.
(b) The property subject to seizure for forfeiture has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of this state or any other state or the federal government in a forfeiture proceeding.
(c) The peace officer has probable cause to believe that the property is subject to forfeiture and that the delay occasioned by the need to obtain a court order would result in the removal or destruction of the property or otherwise frustrate the seizure.
B. Property subject to forfeiture under this chapter may be seized for forfeiture by placing the property under constructive seizure. Constructive seizure may be made by posting notice of seizure for forfeiture on the property or by filing notice of seizure for forfeiture or notice of pending forfeiture in any appropriate public record relating to the property.
C. B. The court shall determine probable cause for seizure before real property may be seized for forfeiture, unless the seizure is pursuant to a constructive seizure or the filing of a racketeering lien or lis pendens. The court may make its determination ex parte if the state demonstrates that notice and an opportunity to appear would create a risk of harm to the public safety or welfare, including the risk of physical injury or the likelihood of property damage or financial loss.
D. C. The court shall determine probable cause for seizure before property may be seized for forfeiture as a substitute asset pursuant to section 13-2314, subsection D, or E or G, or pursuant to section 13-4313, subsection A, unless the seizure is pursuant to a constructive seizure or the filing of a racketeering lien or lis pendens. The court may issue a seizure warrant for such property if it determines that there is probable cause to believe that the property is subject to forfeiture and is not available for seizure for forfeiture for any reason described in section 13-4313, subsection A. The determinations shall be made ex parte unless real property is to be seized and subsection C B of this section requires notice and an opportunity to appear.
E. D. In establishing clear and convincing evidence and in determining probable cause for seizure and for forfeiture, a rebuttable presumption exists that the property of any person is subject to forfeiture if the state establishes all of the following by the standard of proof applicable to that proceeding clear and convincing evidence:
1. Conduct giving rise to forfeiture occurred.
2. The person acquired the property during the period of the conduct giving rise to forfeiture or within a reasonable time after that period.
3. There is no likely source for the property other than the conduct giving rise to forfeiture.
F. In establishing clear and convincing evidence and in determining probable cause for seizure and for forfeiture, the fact that money or any negotiable instrument was found in proximity to contraband or to instrumentalities of an offense gives rise to an inference that the money or instrument was the proceeds of contraband or was used or intended to be used to facilitate commission of the offense.
E. The presence or possession of United States currency, debit cards or credit cards, without other indicia of a crime that subjects property to forfeiture, is insufficient probable cause for seizure of United States currency, debit cards or credit cards.
Sec. 14. Section 13-4306, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4306. Powers and duties of peace officers and agencies; definition
A. In the event of a seizure for If property subject to forfeiture under section 13-4305 is seized, the property is not subject to replevin, conveyance, sequestration or attachment but is deemed to be in the custody of the law enforcement agency making the seizure for forfeiture. The seizing agency or the attorney for the state may authorize the release of the seizure for forfeiture of the property if forfeiture or retention is unnecessary, may transfer the property to any other state agency or may transfer the action to another attorney for the state by discontinuing forfeiture proceedings in favor of forfeiture proceedings initiated by the other agency or attorney. Except as provided in subsections I and J of this section, the seizing agency or the attorney for the state may not transfer or refer seized property to a federal agency. An action pursuant to this chapter shall be consolidated with any other action or proceeding pursuant to this title relating to the same property on motion by the attorney for the state in either action.
B. If property is seized for forfeiture under section 13-4305, pending forfeiture and final disposition, the seizing agency may do any of the following:
1. Remove the property to a storage area for safekeeping or, if the property is a negotiable instrument or money, deposit it in an interest bearing account.
2. Remove the property to a place designated by the court.
3. Provide for another custodian or agency to take custody of the property and remove it to an appropriate location within the jurisdiction of the court.
C. As soon as practicable after seizure for forfeiture, the seizing agency shall conduct an inventory and estimate the value of the property seized. Within twenty days the seizing agency or the attorney for the state shall make reasonable efforts to provide notice of seizure for forfeiture to all persons known to have an interest in the seized property.
D. A person who acts in good faith and in a reasonable manner to comply with an order of the court or a request of a peace officer is not liable to any person for acts done in compliance with the order or request.
E. A possessory lien of a person from whose possession property is seized is not affected by the seizure.
F. In the event of a seizure for If property subject to forfeiture under section 13-4305 is seized, the seizing agency shall send to an attorney for the state a written request for forfeiture within twenty days, which shall include a statement of facts and circumstances of the seizure, including the names of witnesses then known, the appraised or estimated value of the property and a summary of the facts relied on for forfeiture.
G. An owner of property seized for forfeiture may obtain the release of the seized property by posting with the attorney for the state a surety bond or cash in an amount equal to the full fair market value of the property as determined by the attorney for the state. The state may refuse to release the property if any of the following applies:
1. The bond or cash tendered is inadequate.
2. The property is retained as contraband or evidence.
3. The property is particularly altered or designed for use in conduct giving rise to forfeiture.
H. If an owner of property posts a surety bond or cash and the property is forfeited the court shall forfeit the surety bond or cash in lieu of the property.
I. The seizing agency or the attorney for the state may not enter into any agreement to transfer or refer seized property to a federal agency for the purpose of forfeiture if the property was seized pursuant to an investigation that either:
1. Did not involve a federal agency.
2. Involves a violation of a state law and no violation of a federal law is alleged.
J. Property that is seized in a joint investigation may not be transferred or referred to a federal agency for the purpose of forfeiture unless the gross estimated value of the seized property is more than seventy-five thousand dollars $75,000.
K. This section does not prohibit:
1. The federal government or any of its agencies from seizing property, seeking forfeiture pursuant to federal law and sharing property that is forfeited pursuant to federal law with a state or local law enforcement agency that participates in a joint investigation.
2. A state or local law enforcement agency from participating in a joint investigation.
L. A peace officer may not request, require or in any manner induce a person to execute a document that attempts to disclaim an interest in or right to property or that relinquishes interests in or rights to property.
L. m. For the purposes of this section, "joint investigation" means an investigation in which a state or local law enforcement agency directly participates in the investigation or enforcement of a federal criminal law with a federal agency and the investigation or enforcement results in a seizure.
Sec. 15. Section 13-4307, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4307. Notice of pending forfeiture
Whenever notice of pending forfeiture is required under this chapter it shall be given or provided in one of the following ways and is effective at the time of personal service, publication or the mailing of written notice, whichever is earlier:
A. Within sixty days after making a seizure for forfeiture or simultaneously on filing a related criminal indictment, the state shall file a notice of pending forfeiture proceeding or return the property to the person from whom it was seized. A notice of pending forfeiture proceeding must include all of the following:
1. a description of the property seized.
2. the date and place of seizure of the property.
3. the name and address of the law enforcement agency making the seizure.
4. the specific statutory and factual grounds for the seizure.
B. If the property sought to be forfeited is real property, including fixtures, the attorney for the state may file a lis pendens or a notice of pending forfeiture with respect to the property with the county recorder of the county where the property is located, in addition to any lien provided by section 13-2314.02 without a filing fee or other charge.
C. A notice of pending forfeiture proceeding must be delivered as follows:
1. If the owner's or interest holder's name and current address are known, by either:
(a) Personal service.
(b) Mailing a copy of the notice by certified mail to the address.
2. If the owner's or interest holder's interest is required by law to be on record with a county recorder's office, the secretary of state, the department of transportation motor vehicle division of the department of transportation, the Arizona game and fish department, or another state or federal licensing agency in order to perfect an interest in the property, but his current address is not known, by mailing a copy of the notice by certified mail to any address on the record.
3. If the owner's or interest holder's address is not known, and is not on record as provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection, or if his interest is not known, by publication in one issue of a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the seizure occurs.
D. The notice of pending forfeiture proceeding must also be served on the person's attorney of record and all persons known or reasonably believed by the state to claim an interest in the property.
E. An owner of or interest holder in the property may file a claim against the property at any time within sixty days after the notice or sixty days before a criminal trial, whichever is later, requesting a hearing to adjudicate the validity of the claimed interest in the property. An owner or interest holder may not be charged a filing fee or any other charge for filing the claim. Copies of the claim shall be mailed to the seizing agency and to the attorney for the state.
F. The claim shall be signed by the claimant under penalty of perjury and shall set forth all of the following:
1. The caption of the proceeding as set forth on the notice of pending forfeiture or complaint and the name of the claimant.
2. The address at which the claimant will accept future mailings from the court or the attorney for the state.
3. The nature and extent of the claimant's interest in the property.
4. All facts supporting the claimant's claim in the property and its return to the claimant.
5. The precise relief sought.
Sec. 16. Section 13-4308, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4308. Commencement of proceedings
A. The attorney for the state shall determine whether it is probable that the property is subject to forfeiture and, if so, may cause the initiation of uncontested or commencement of further judicial forfeiture proceedings against the property for which a notice of pending forfeiture has been filed and made by filing a complaint if a claim has been filed. If, on inquiry and examination, the attorney for the state determines that the proceedings probably cannot be sustained or that justice does not require the institution of such proceedings, he the attorney for the state shall notify the seizing agency and immediately authorize the release of the seizure for forfeiture on the property or on any specified interest in it.
B. The state may not proceed with further forfeiture proceedings before a criminal conviction for an offense to which forfeiture applies unless no timely claim has been filed or a conviction is waived pursuant to this chapter.
B. C. If the state fails to initiate proceed with further forfeiture proceedings against property seized for forfeiture by notice of pending forfeiture within sixty days after its seizure for forfeiture, or fails to pursue forfeiture of such property on which a timely claim has been properly filed by filing a complaint, information or indictment pursuant to section 13-4311 or 13-4312 within sixty days after notice of pending forfeiture or, if uncontested forfeiture has been made available, within sixty days after a declaration of forfeiture, whichever is later, following a person's conviction for an offense to which forfeiture applies and a claim has been filed, such property shall be released from its seizure for forfeiture on the request of to an owner or interest holder, pending further proceedings pursuant to this chapter, which shall be commenced within seven years after actual discovery of the last act giving rise to forfeiture.
C. If the property sought to be forfeited is real property, including fixtures, the attorney for the state may file a lis pendens or a notice of pending forfeiture with respect to the property with the county recorder of the county in which the property is located, in addition to any lien provided by section 13-2314.02, without a filing fee or other charge.
Sec. 17. Repeal
Section 13-4309, Arizona Revised Statutes, is repealed.
Sec. 18. Title 13, chapter 39, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section 13-4309, to read:
13-4309. Postdeprivation hearing
A. After the seizure of property, the defendant in the related criminal matter or another person who claims an interest in the seized property, up to sixty days after the notice, may claim an interest in seized property by filing a motion with the superior court requesting an order for the release of the claimed property to the person's custody pending further forfeiture proceedings and orders pursuant to this chapter. A motion filed pursuant to this section must include facts to support the person's alleged interest in the property. The state may elect to not contest the motion and the release of the claimed property to the custody of the person who is claiming the interest in the seized property. The state may request that the court issue a protective order that preserves the availability of released property pending further forfeiture proceedings.
B. A person who makes a timely motion for the return of property has a right to a hearing on the motion before the resolution of any related criminal matter or forfeiture proceeding and within thirty days after the date that the motion is filed.
C. At least ten days before a hearing on a motion filed pursuant to this section, the state shall file an answer or responsive motion that includes the reasons why the state is entitled to retain possession of the property.
D. The court shall grant the claimant's motion if the court finds that any of the following applies:
1. It is likely that the final judgment will require the state to return the property to the claimant.
2. The property is not reasonably required to be held for evidentiary reasons.
3. The property is the only reasonable means for a defendant to pay for legal representation in a related criminal or forfeiture proceeding.
E. The court may order the return of money or property sufficient to obtain legal counsel but less than the total amount seized and the court may require an accounting.
F. In lieu of ordering the return of property, the court may order:
1. The state to give security or written assurance for satisfaction of any judgment, including damages, that may be rendered in a related forfeiture action.
2. Any other relief that the court deems to be just.
Sec. 19. Section 13-4310, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4310. Judicial forfeiture proceedings; damages
A. In any proceeding pursuant to this chapter, the court, on application of the state, may enter any restraining order or injunction, require the execution of satisfactory performance bonds, create receiverships, appoint conservators, appraisers, accountants or trustees or take any other action to seize, secure, maintain or preserve the availability of property subject to forfeiture under this title, including a warrant for its seizure, whether prior or subsequent to the filing of a notice of pending forfeiture, complaint, indictment or information.
B. If property is seized for forfeiture without a prior judicial determination of probable cause, an order of forfeiture or a hearing pursuant to section 13-4312, subsection D, the court, on an application filed by an owner of or interest holder in the property within fifteen days after notice of its seizure for forfeiture or actual knowledge of it, whichever is earlier, and complying with the requirements for claims in section 13-4311, subsections E and F, may issue an order to show cause to the seizing agency for a hearing on the sole issue of whether probable cause for forfeiture of the property then exists. Notice of the order to show cause hearing must be served on the attorney for the state at least five working days before the hearing is held. If the court finds that no probable cause for forfeiture of the property then exists or if the state elects not to contest the issue, the property seized for forfeiture from the applicant shall be released to the custody of the applicant pending the outcome of a judicial proceeding pursuant to this chapter. If the court finds that probable cause for the forfeiture of the property then exists, the court shall not order the property released, except as provided in section 13-4306, subsection G.
A. A person who claims an interest in seized property shall file an answer to the complaint of forfeiture within thirty days after service of the forfeiture complaint. The answer must include facts to support the claimant's alleged interest in the property. The clerk of court may not charge a person who claims ownership or to be an interest holder a filing fee or any charge for filing the answer.
C. B. A defendant convicted in any criminal proceeding shall be precluded from subsequently denying the essential allegations of the criminal offense of which he was convicted in any proceeding pursuant to this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, a conviction may result from a verdict or plea including a no contest plea.
D. C. In any judicial forfeiture hearing, determination or other proceeding pursuant to this chapter, the applicant, petitioner or claimant must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that he is an owner of or interest holder in the property seized for forfeiture before other evidence is taken. The burden of proving the standing of the claimant and the existence of the exemption is on the claimant or party raising the claim, and it is not necessary to negate the standing of any claimant or the existence of any exemption in any notice, application, complaint, information or indictment.
E. D. In hearings and determinations pursuant to this chapter:
1. the law of evidence relating to civil actions applies equally to all parties, including the state, an applicant, a petitioner, a claimant and a defendant, on all issues required to be established by a preponderance of the evidence or clear and convincing evidence.
2. The court shall receive and consider, in making any determination of probable cause or reasonable cause, all evidence and information that would be permissible in determining probable cause at a preliminary hearing, at a grand jury or by a magistrate pursuant to section 13-3913, together with inferences from the evidence and information.
E. The court shall enter a judgment of forfeiture and the seized property shall be forfeited to the state if the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that:
1. The property is subject to forfeiture.
2. The criminal prosecution related to the seized property resulted in a conviction or the court waived the requirement for a conviction pursuant to section 13-4304.
3. There is no innocent owner or third party interest holder to whom the property should be delivered.
4. The value of the property to be forfeited does not unreasonably exceed:
(a) the pecuniary gain derived or sought to be derived by the crime.
(b) the pecuniary loss caused or sought to be caused by the crime.
(c) the value of the convicted owner's interest in the property.
F. A person is not jointly and severally liable for orders for forfeiture of another person's property. If ownership of property is unclear, a court may order each person to forfeit the person's property on a pro rata basis or by another means that the court deems equitable.
F. G. All property, including all interests in such property, declared forfeited under this title vests in this state on the commission of the act or omission giving rise to forfeiture under this title together with the proceeds of the property after such time. Any such property or proceeds subsequently transferred to any person are subject to forfeiture and thereafter shall be ordered forfeited unless the transferee claims and establishes in a hearing pursuant to this chapter the showings set out in section 13-4304 if the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that the transferee:
1. Had actual knowledge that the property was subject to forfeiture.
2. Was not a bona fide purchaser for value not knowingly taking part in an illegal transaction.
G. H. On the motion of a party and after notice to any persons who are known to have an interest in the property and an opportunity to be heard, the court may order property that has been seized for forfeiture sold, leased, rented or operated to satisfy an interest of any interest holder who has timely filed a proper claim or to preserve the interests of any party. The court may order a sale or any other disposition of the property if the property may perish, waste, be foreclosed on or otherwise be significantly reduced in value or if the expenses of maintaining the property are or will become greater than its fair market value. If the court orders a sale, the court shall designate a third party or state property manager to dispose of the property by public sale or other commercially reasonable method and shall distribute the proceeds in the following order of priority:
1. Payment of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the sale.
2. Satisfaction of exempt interests in the order of their priority.
3. Preservation of the balance, if any, in the actual or constructive custody of the court in an interest bearing account, subject to further proceedings under this chapter.
H. I. If the property is disposed of pursuant to subsection G H of this section, a successful claimant may apply to the court for actual monetary damages suffered, if any, as a result of the disposal of the property, but the state, a political subdivision of the state, or an officer, employee or agent of any of them shall not in any event be liable under this chapter for incidental or consequential damages or for damages either:
1. That could have been avoided if the claimant had made full and immediate disclosure to the attorney for the state of facts or evidence known or available to the claimant.
2. In excess of the fair market value of the property seized for forfeiture at the time of its seizure plus interest from the time of its seizure for forfeiture.
I. If an indictment or information is filed alleging the same conduct as the conduct giving rise to forfeiture in a civil forfeiture proceeding, the court in the civil proceeding may stay civil discovery against the criminal defendant and against the state in the civil proceeding until the defendant's criminal trial is completed. Before staying civil discovery, the court shall make adequate provision to prevent any loss or expense to any victim or party resulting from the delay, including loss or expense due to maintenance, management, insurance, storage or preservation of the availability of the property or due to depreciation in the value of the property.
J. No person claiming to be an owner of or interest holder in property seized for forfeiture under this chapter may commence or maintain any action against the state concerning the validity of the alleged interest other than as provided in this chapter.
K. An injured person may submit a request for compensation from forfeited property to the court at any time before the earlier of the entry of a final judgment or an application for an order of the forfeiture of the property, or if a hearing pursuant to subsections m, n and o of this section is held, not less than thirty days before the hearing. The request shall be signed by the requestor under penalty of perjury and shall set forth all of the following:
1. The caption of the proceeding as set forth on the notice of pending forfeiture or complaint and the name of the requestor.
2. The address at which the requestor will accept future mailings from the court or parties to the action.
3. The property subject to forfeiture from which the requestor seeks compensation.
4. The nature of the economic loss sustained by the requestor.
5. All facts supporting each such assertion.
6. Any additional facts supporting the request.
7. The amount of economic loss that the requestor seeks compensation for.
L. If a proper request for compensation from forfeited property is timely filed, the court shall hold a hearing to establish whether there is a factual basis for the request. The requestor has the burden of establishing by a preponderance of evidence that the requestor is an injured person who sustained economic loss.
M. The hearing on the claim, to the extent practicable and consistent with the interest of justice, shall be held sixty days after all parties have complied with the disclosure required by rule 26.1, Arizona rules of civil procedure. The court may consolidate the hearing on the claim with a hearing on any other claim concerning the same property.
N. At the hearing, the claimant may testify, present evidence and witnesses on the claimant's own behalf and cross-examine witnesses who appear at the hearing. The state may present evidence and witnesses and cross-examine witnesses who appear at the hearing.
O. At the hearing, the state has the burden of establishing by clear and convincing evidence that the property is subject to forfeiture under section 13-4304. Any claimant who has previously established by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant is an owner of or interest holder in the property has the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant's interest in the property is exempt from forfeiture under section 13-4304.
P. After a hearing:
1. The court shall order an interest in property returned or conveyed to a claimant, if any, who has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant is an owner of or interest holder in the property if either of the following applies:
(a) the state has failed to establish by clear and convincing evidence that the interest is subject to forfeiture under section 13-4304.
(b) the claimant has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the interest is exempt from forfeiture under section 13-4304.
2. The court shall order all other property, including all interests in the property, forfeited to this state and proceed pursuant to sections 13-4314 and 13-4315.
3. If the court finds that a requestor is an injured person the court shall determine the amount of the injured person's economic loss caused by the conduct giving rise to the forfeiture of the designated property and shall require the following:
(a) if the designated property is not contraband and is not altered or designed for use in conduct giving rise to forfeiture, the attorney for the state shall sell the property as provided in section 13-4315, subsection a, paragraph 2 and shall apply the resulting balance to compensate the injured person's economic loss in the amount found by the court.
(b) if the balance is insufficient to compensate the economic loss of all injured persons the attorney for the state shall distribute the balance among the injured persons according to a method determined by the court.
(c) after compensating all injured persons, the attorney for the state shall transmit ten percent of the remaining balance, if any, to the state treasurer for deposit in the victim compensation and assistance fund established by section 41-2407.
(d) the attorney for the state shall deposit the remainder of the balance, if any, in an appropriate anti-racketeering revolving fund established by section 13-2314.01 or 13-2314.03.
Sec. 20. Section 13-4311, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4311. Judicial in rem forfeiture proceedings
A. If a forfeiture is authorized by law, it shall may be ordered by a court on an action in rem brought by the state pursuant to a notice of pending forfeiture or a verified complaint for forfeiture. The state may serve the complaint in the manner provided by section 13-4307 or by the Arizona rules of civil procedure.
B. Judicial in rem forfeiture proceedings are in the nature of an action in rem and are governed by the Arizona rules of civil procedure unless a different procedure is provided by law. A civil in rem action may be brought by the state in addition to or in lieu of the civil and criminal in personam forfeiture procedures set forth in sections 13-4312 and 13-4313 or the uncontested civil forfeiture procedures set forth in section 13-4309. Judicial in rem forfeiture proceedings are in the nature of an action in rem and are governed by the Arizona rules of civil procedure unless a different procedure is provided by law. If the prosecutor shows by clear and convincing evidence that there is no known owner of the seized property, diligent efforts have been made to identify the owner of the seized property and no person has asserted an ownership interest in the seized property or that, before or after the conviction, the defendant or alleged criminal:
1. Died.
2. No longer resides in the United States or was deported.
3. Was granted immunity or reduced punishment in exchange for testifying or assisting a law enforcement investigation or prosecution.
4. Fled the jurisdiction of this state.
5. Abandoned the property.
C. On the filing of a civil in rem action by the state in superior court the clerk of the court in which the action is filed or the attorney for the state shall provide, and the attorney for the state may provide, the notice of pending forfeiture required by section 13-4307 unless the files of the clerk of the court reflect that such the notice has previously been made.
D. An owner of or interest holder in the property may file a claim against the property pursuant to section 13-4307, within thirty sixty days after the notice, for a hearing to adjudicate the validity of his the owner's or interest holder's claimed interest in the property. The court shall hold the hearing without a jury. An owner or interest holder may not be charged a filing fee or any other charge for filing the claim.
E. The claim shall be signed by the claimant under penalty of perjury and shall set forth all of the following:
1. The caption of the proceeding as set forth on the notice of pending forfeiture or complaint and the name of the claimant.
2. The address at which the claimant will accept future mailings from the court or attorney for the state.
3. The nature and extent of the claimant's interest in the property.
4. The date, the identity of the transferor and the circumstances of the claimant's acquisition of the interest in the property.
5. The specific provisions of this chapter relied on in asserting that the property is not subject to forfeiture.
6. All facts supporting each such assertion.
7. Any additional facts supporting the claimant's claim.
8. The precise relief sought.
F. Copies of the claim shall be mailed to the seizing agency and to the attorney for the state. No extension of time for the filing of a claim may be granted.
G. Within twenty days after service of the complaint, the claimant shall file and serve the answer to the complaint and the answers to interrogatories and requests for admission if any were served with the complaint. The answer shall be signed by the owner or interest holder under penalty of perjury, shall comply with the Arizona rules of civil procedure relating to answers and shall comply with all of the requirements for claims. If no proper answer is timely filed, the attorney for the state shall proceed as provided in sections 13-4314 and 13-4315 with ten days' notice to any person who has timely filed a claim that has not been stricken by the court.
H. At the time of filing its pleadings or at any other time not less than thirty days before the hearing, the state and any claimant who has timely answered the complaint may serve discovery requests on any other party, the answers or response to which shall be due in twenty days, and may take the deposition of any person at any time after the expiration of fifteen days after the filing and service of the complaint. Any party may move for summary judgment at any time after an answer or responsive pleading is served and not less than thirty days before the hearing. The state, as the party defending against the claim, may make offers of judgment at any time more than ten days before the hearing begins.
I. An injured person may submit a request for compensation from forfeited property to the court at any time before the earlier of the entry of a final judgment or an application for an order of the forfeiture of the property, or if a hearing pursuant to subsections K, L and M of this section is held, not less than thirty days before the hearing. The request shall be signed by the requestor under penalty of perjury and shall set forth all of the following:
1. The caption of the proceeding as set forth on the notice of pending forfeiture or complaint and the name of the requestor.
2. The address at which the requestor will accept future mailings from the court or parties to the action.
3. The property subject to forfeiture from which the requestor seeks compensation.
4. The nature of the economic loss sustained by the requestor.
5. All facts supporting each such assertion.
6. Any additional facts supporting the request.
7. The amount of economic loss for which the requestor seeks compensation.
J. If a proper request for compensation from forfeited property is timely filed, the court shall hold a hearing to establish whether there is a factual basis for the request. The requestor has the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that the requestor is an injured person who sustained economic loss.
K. The hearing on the claim, to the extent practicable and consistent with the interest of justice, shall be held sixty days after all parties have complied with the disclosure required by rule 26.1 of the Arizona rules of civil procedure. The court may consolidate the hearing on the claim with a hearing on any other claim concerning the same property.
L. At the hearing, the claimant may testify, present evidence and witnesses on the claimant's own behalf and cross-examine witnesses who appear at the hearing. The state may present evidence and witnesses and cross-examine witnesses who appear at the hearing.
M. At the hearing, the state has the burden of establishing by clear and convincing evidence that the property is subject to forfeiture under section 13-4304. Any claimant who has previously established by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant is an owner of or interest holder in the property has the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant's interest in the property is exempt from forfeiture under section 13-4304.
N. In accordance with its findings at the hearing:
1. The court shall order an interest in property returned or conveyed to a claimant, if any, who has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant is an owner of or interest holder in the property if either of the following applies:
(a) The state has failed to establish by clear and convincing evidence that the interest is subject to forfeiture under section 13-4304.
(b) The claimant has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the interest is exempt from forfeiture under section 13-4304.
2. The court shall order all other property, including all interests in the property, forfeited to this state and proceed pursuant to sections 13-4314 and 13-4315.
3. If the court finds that a requestor is an injured person the court shall determine the amount of the injured person's economic loss caused by the conduct giving rise to the forfeiture of the designated property and shall require the following:
(a) If the designated property is not contraband and is not altered or designed for use in conduct giving rise to forfeiture, the attorney for the state shall sell the property as provided in section 13-4315, subsection A, paragraph 2 and shall apply the resulting balance to compensate the injured person's economic loss in the amount found by the court.
(b) If the balance is insufficient to compensate the economic loss of all injured persons the attorney for the state shall distribute the balance among the injured persons according to a method determined by the court.
(c) After compensation of all injured persons, the attorney for the state shall transmit ten percent of the remaining balance, if any, to the Arizona criminal justice commission for deposit in the victim compensation and assistance fund established by section 41-2407.
(d) The attorney for the state shall deposit the remainder of the balance, if any, in an appropriate anti-racketeering revolving fund established by section 13-2314.01 or 13-2314.03.
Sec. 21. Section 13-4312, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4312. Judicial in personam forfeiture proceedings
A. If a forfeiture is authorized by law, it shall be ordered by a court on proceedings by the state in an in personam civil or criminal action pursuant to section 13-2313 or 13-2314 or any other law providing for a forfeiture.
B. A. Any complaint, information or indictment alleging or charging one or more offenses included in section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 4 or a violation of section 13-2312, or any other offense giving rise to forfeiture under this title, shall set forth with reasonable particularity property that the state seeks to forfeit pursuant to this section in that action, if any. The court shall allow the allegation that particular new or different or differently described property is subject to forfeiture in an in personam criminal or civil case to be made at any time prior to the date the case is actually tried unless the allegation is filed fewer than twenty days before the case is actually tried, and the court finds on the record that the defendant was in fact prejudiced by the untimely filing and states reasons for these findings, provided that when the allegation is filed, the state must make available to the defendant a copy of any material information concerning the allegation.
C. In any proceeding pursuant to this section, the court, on application of the state, may enter any order authorized by section 13-4310, subsection A or take any other action to seize, secure, maintain or preserve the availability of property subject to forfeiture under this title, including a warrant for its seizure, whether before or after the filing of a complaint, indictment or information.
D. B. Notwithstanding subsection E C of this section, a temporary restraining order under this section may be entered on application of the state without notice or an opportunity for a hearing if the state demonstrates both that:
1. There is The seizure is incident to a lawful arrest for a crime or a search lawfully conducted pursuant to a search warrant and the state has probable cause to believe that the property with respect to which the order is sought would, in the event of final judgment or if a conviction occurs, be subject to forfeiture under this title and that the subject of the arrest or search warrant is an owner of the property.
2. Provision of notice will jeopardize the availability of the property for forfeiture. A temporary restraining order expires within ten days after the date on which it is entered unless the party against whom it is entered consents to an extension for a longer period or unless after commencing a hearing the court enters or is considering a preliminary injunction the state can demonstrate the property is being held as evidence in a criminal case.
E. C. Notice of the entry of the restraining order and an opportunity for a hearing shall be afforded to persons known to have an interest in the property, whether or not a temporary restraining order is entered without notice. The hearing, however, is limited to the issues of whether both:
1. There is a probability that the state will prevail on the issue of forfeiture and that failure to enter the order will result in the property being destroyed, conveyed, encumbered or further encumbered, removed from the jurisdiction of the court, concealed or otherwise made unavailable for forfeiture.
2. The need to preserve the availability of property through the entry of the requested order outweighs the hardship on any owner, interest holder or defendant against whom the order is to be entered.
F. D. A hearing requested by any owner or interest holder concerning an order entered under this section shall be held at the earliest possible time and before the expiration of a temporary order.
G. On a determination of liability or the conviction of a person for conduct giving rise to forfeiture under this title, the court shall enter a judgment of forfeiture of the property described in the forfeiture statute alleged and set out in the complaint, information or indictment, as amended, and shall also authorize the county attorney or attorney general, their agents or any peace officer to seize all property ordered forfeited that was not previously seized or is not then under seizure. Following the entry of an order declaring the property forfeited, the court, on application of the state, may enter any order authorized by section 13-4310, subsection A or take any other action to protect the interest of this state or a political subdivision in the property ordered forfeited. The filing of the order of forfeiture in the appropriate public records perfects the interest of the state in the property described in the order as of the earlier of the date of the act or omission giving rise to forfeiture or the date that a notice of seizure for forfeiture or notice of pending forfeiture or racketeering lien was first filed in the records, which entitles the state to all rights of a secured party as to that property in addition to any other rights or remedies of the state in relation to the property. Any income accruing to, or derived from, an enterprise or any interest in an enterprise or other property interest that is forfeited under this chapter is also forfeited from the time of the conduct giving rise to forfeiture. It may be used pending procedures subsequent to a verdict or finding of liability to offset ordinary and necessary expenses of the enterprise or property as required by law or that are necessary to protect the interests of this state or a political subdivision.
H. Procedures subsequent to the verdict or finding of liability and order of forfeiture shall be as follows:
1. Following the entry of an order of forfeiture under this subsection the clerk of the court shall, and the attorney for the state may, give notice of pending forfeiture to all owners and interest holders who have not previously been given notice, if any, in the manner provided in section 13-4307.
2. An owner of or interest holder in property that has been ordered forfeited pursuant to such action whose claim is not precluded may file a claim as described in section 13-4311, subsections E and F in the court for a hearing to adjudicate the validity of his claimed interest in the property within thirty days after initial notice of pending forfeiture or after notice under paragraph 1 of this subsection, whichever is earlier.
3. The hearing on the claim, to the extent practicable and consistent with the interest of justice, shall be held within sixty days after the order of forfeiture. The court may consolidate the hearing on the claim with a hearing on any other claim filed by a person other than a party or defendant in the underlying action and concerning the same property.
4. The hearing shall be held by the court without a jury and conducted in the manner provided for in rem judicial forfeiture actions including the provisions of section 13-4311, subsections L and M. In addition to testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the court shall consider the relevant portions of the record of the underlying civil or criminal action that resulted in the order of forfeiture.
5. In accordance with its findings at the hearing, the court may amend the order of forfeiture if it determines that any claimant has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant is an owner of or interest holder in the property if either of the following applies:
(a) The state has failed to establish by clear and convincing evidence that the interest is subject to forfeiture under section 13-4304.
(b) The claimant has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the interest is exempt from forfeiture under section 13-4304.
I. In order to facilitate the identification or location of property declared forfeited and to facilitate the disposition of filed or subsequent claims pursuant to subsection H, paragraph 2 of this section, the court, on application of the state, may order that the testimony of any witness relating to the property forfeited or alleged to be subject to forfeiture be taken by deposition and that any designated book, paper, document, record, recording, electronic or otherwise, or other material which is not privileged be produced at the same time and place and in the same manner as that provided for the taking of depositions under the rules of civil procedure.
Sec. 22. Section 13-4314, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4314. Disposition by court
A. If no petitions for remission or mitigation or claims are timely filed or if no petitioner files a claim in the court within thirty days after the mailing of a declaration of forfeiture, the attorney for the state shall apply to the court for an order of forfeiture and allocation of forfeited property pursuant to section 13-4315. On the state's written application showing jurisdiction, notice and facts sufficient to demonstrate probable cause for forfeiture, and in cases brought pursuant to section 13-3413, subsection A, paragraph 1 or 3, probable cause to believe that the conduct giving rise to forfeiture involved an amount of unlawful substance greater than the statutory threshold amount as defined in section 13-3401 or was committed for financial gain, the court shall order the property forfeited to the state.
B. After the court's disposition of all claims timely filed under this chapter, the state has clear title to the forfeited property and the court shall so order. Title to the forfeited property and its proceeds is deemed to have vested in the state on the commission of the act or omission giving rise to the forfeiture under this title.
C. If, in his discretion, the attorney for the state has entered into a stipulation with an interest holder that the interest holder has an interest that is exempted from forfeiture, the court, on application of the attorney for the state, may release or convey forfeited personal property to the interest holder if all of the following are true:
1. The interest holder has an interest that was acquired in the regular course of business as a financial institution within section 13-2301, subsection D, paragraph 3.
2. The amount of the interest holder's encumbrance is readily determinable and it has been reasonably established by proof made available by the attorney for the state to the court.
3. The encumbrance held by the interest holder seeking possession is the only interest exempted from forfeiture and the order forfeiting the property to the state transferred all of the rights of the owner before forfeiture, including rights to redemption, to the state.
4. After the court's release or conveyance, the interest holder shall dispose of the property by a commercially reasonable public sale, and within ten days of disposition shall tender to the state the amount received at disposition less the amount of the interest holder's encumbrance and reasonable expense incurred by the interest holder in connection with the sale or disposal.
D. C. On order of the court forfeiting the subject property, the attorney for the state may transfer good and sufficient title to any subsequent purchaser or transferee, and the title shall be recognized by all courts, by this state and by all departments and agencies of this state and any political subdivision. The attorney for the state may not transfer title to either:
1. An officer or employee of the agency that seized the property or a person who is related to the officer or employee by blood or marriage.
2. The attorney for the state or any individual working in the same office or any person related to the authority or individual by blood or marriage.
E. D. On entry of judgment for a claimant or claimants in any proceeding to forfeit property under this chapter such property or interest in property shall be returned or conveyed immediately to the claimant or claimants designated by the court. The person or seizing agency that made the seizure and the attorney for the state are not personally liable to suit or judgment on account of such seizure, suit or prosecution unless the person, seizing agency or attorney for the state intended to cause injury or was grossly negligent.
F. E. The court may award reasonable attorney fees, expenses and damages for loss of the use of the property to any claimant who substantially prevails by an adjudication on the merits of a claim. If the court finds that reasonable cause did not exist for the seizure for forfeiture or the filing of the notice of pending forfeiture, complaint, information or indictment and that the seizing agency or attorney for the state intended to cause injury or was grossly negligent, the court shall award the claimant treble costs or damages. The court must apportion the award for treble costs or damages between the agency that made the seizure and the office of the attorney for the state.
Sec. 23. Section 13-4315, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
13-4315. Allocation of forfeited property
A. Any property, including all interests in property, forfeited to the state under this title shall be transferred as requested by the attorney for the state to the seizing agency or to the agency or political subdivision employing the attorney for the state, which may do any of the following:
1. Sell, lease, lend or transfer the property to any local or state government entity or agency or political subdivision, any law enforcement agency or prosecutorial agency or any federal law enforcement agency which that operates within this state for official federal, state or political subdivision use within this state, with expenses for keeping and transferring such property to be paid by the recipient. Property may not be allocated for official use if the fair market value of the property substantially exceeds the agency's probable cost of purchasing other property equally suited for the intended official use. Property that is allocated for official use may not be assigned for use by any person who supervised or exercised discretion in its forfeiture unless the use is approved in writing by the head of the agency.
2. Sell forfeited property by public or otherwise commercially reasonable sale with expenses of keeping and selling the property and the amount of all valid interests established by claimants paid out of the proceeds of the sale with the balance paid into the anti-racketeering revolving fund of the state or of the county in which the political subdivision seizing the property or prosecuting the action is located. A sale of forfeited property may not be made to any employee of the seizing agency, any person who participated in the forfeiture, any employee of a contractor selling the property on behalf of the seizing agency or any member of the immediate family of any of these employees or persons.
3. Destroy or use for investigative purposes any illegal or controlled substances or other contraband at any time more than twenty days after seizure, on written approval of the attorney for the state, preserving only such material as may be necessary for evidence.
4. Sell, use or destroy all raw materials, products and equipment of any kind used or intended for use in manufacturing, compounding or processing a controlled substance.
5. Compromise and pay claims against property forfeited pursuant to any provision of this section.
6. Make any other disposition of forfeited property authorized by law for the disposition of property of the state, government entity, agency or political subdivision.
B. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section or any other provision of law to the contrary:
1. If the property forfeited is money, and a law enforcement agency can specifically identify monies as being from its investigative funds or as being exchanged for property from its investigative property, the monies shall be remitted to the investigative fund. If there are additional forfeited monies or monies tendered on satisfaction by an interest holder which that cannot be specifically identified, the court shall order the monies returned to each law enforcement agency that makes a showing of costs or expenses which that it incurred in connection with the investigation and prosecution of the matter and shall order all excess monies remaining after such returns deposited in the anti-racketeering revolving fund of this state or of the county in which the political subdivision seizing the monies or prosecuting the action is located, established pursuant to section 13-2314.01 or 13-2314.03.
2. If the property declared forfeited is an interest in a vehicle, the court shall order it forfeited to the local, state or other law enforcement agency seizing the vehicle for forfeiture or to the seizing agency.
C. Monies in any anti-racketeering revolving fund established pursuant to this title may be used, in addition to any other lawful use, for:
1. The payment of any expenses necessary to seize, detain, appraise, inventory, protect, maintain, preserve the availability of, advertise or sell property that is subject to forfeiture and that is seized, detained or forfeited pursuant to this title or of any other necessary expenses incident to the seizure, detention, preservation or forfeiture of the property. The payments may include payments for contract services and payments to reimburse any federal, state or local agency for any expenditures made to perform the investigative, storage and maintenance functions of associated with the property held by the seizing agency.
2. The payment of awards for information or assistance leading to a civil or criminal proceeding under this title.
3. The payment of compensation from forfeited property to injured persons as provided in section 13-4311, subsection N 13-4310, subsection P, paragraph 3.
D. Each attorney for the state shall submit a copy of each forfeiture judgment, including each order of forfeiture, to the Arizona criminal justice commission within sixty days after the forfeiture judgment becomes final or after the conclusion of appellate review, if any.
Sec. 24. Section 41-2407, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
41-2407. Victim compensation and assistance fund; subrogation; prohibited debt collection activity; definition
A. The victim compensation and assistance fund is established. The Arizona criminal justice commission shall administer the fund. The victim compensation and assistance fund shall consist of monies collected pursuant to section 31-411, subsection E and sections 12-116.08, 13-4311 13-4310, 31-418, 31-467.06 and 41-1674, unclaimed victim restitution monies pursuant to sections 22-116 and 44-313 and monies available from any other source.
B. Subject to legislative appropriation, the Arizona criminal justice commission shall allocate monies in the victim compensation and assistance fund to public and private agencies for the purpose of establishing, maintaining and supporting programs that compensate and assist victims of crime.
C. The allocation of monies pursuant to this section shall be made in accordance with rules adopted by the Arizona criminal justice commission pursuant to section 41-2405, subsection A, paragraph 8. The rules shall provide that persons who suffered personal injury or death that resulted from an attempt to aid a public safety officer in the prevention of a crime or the apprehension of a criminal may be eligible for compensation.
D. This state and the applicable operational unit or qualified program, as defined in the victim compensation program rules, are subrogated to the rights of an individual who receives monies from the victim compensation and assistance fund to recover or receive monies or benefits from a third party, to the extent of the amount of monies the individual receives from the fund.
E. A licensed health care provider who agrees to the victim compensation program rules may receive program monies for providing health and medical services to a victim or claimant. A licensed health care provider who accepts the full allowable payment for those services from a victim compensation program funded pursuant to this section is deemed to have accepted the payment as the full payment for those services. The licensed health care provider may not collect or attempt to collect any payment for the same health and medical services from the victim or claimant, except that if a victim compensation program funded pursuant to this section is unable to pay the full allowable payment to a licensed health care provider because of a lack of available monies or for any other reason, the licensed health care provider may collect the unpaid balance for the services from the victim or claimant or from a third-party payor, and the total amount billed or requested by the licensed health care provider may not exceed the full allowable payment that the licensed health care provider agreed to accept from the victim compensation program for the services.
F. If a licensed health care provider receives notice that a person has filed a claim with a victim compensation program funded by this section, the licensed health care provider is prohibited from any debt collection activity for any monies owed by the person that are included in the filed claim until an award is made on the claim or until a determination is made that the claim is noncompensable. For the purposes of this subsection, "debt collection activity" includes repeatedly telephoning or writing to the claimant and threatening to either turn the matter over to a debt collection agency or to an attorney for collection, enforcement or filing of any other debt collection process. Debt collection activity does not include routine billing or inquiries about the status of the claim.
G. For the purposes of this section, "licensed health care provider" means a person or institution that is licensed or certified by this state to provide health care services, medical services, nursing services, emergency medical services and ambulance services that are regulated pursuant to title 36, chapter 21.1, article 2 or other health-related services.
APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR MAY 5, 2021.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 5, 2021.