“Proceeds from drug dealing, such as a car and house, can be seized. Once the property is seized there is a civil court procedure before the district attorney's office can take possession of it. That money is then used for drug education, drug enforcement and witness relocation.”
“It's a civil proceeding, so the criterion is not as high as in a criminal court. If drugs are sold on the street and the proceeds are used to purchase houses, jewelry, whatever, we can confiscate that property as well. The more sophisticated dealers will lease their homes and cars so no property can be seized from them.”
“All 67 district attorneys and the state police have to keep detailed records of their drug seizures. We take that information and break it down into the 67 counties, so for each county there is a detailed record of what is seized. Copies of this are then given to the General Assembly.”
“It is up to each district attorney to determine how to distribute the money to police. It is not mandatory that the DAs share with local police, but most of them do share because of the involvement of the local police in the drug investigations.”
“Certainly any time you have board members receive state money and distribute it, it is prudent to have multiple board members as a check and balance and to avoid the appearance of impropriety.”
“We are disappointed with the opinion and believe the law passed by the citizens of Pennsylvania is constitutional. We will soon make a decision about whether to appeal and are also reviewing the legal ramifications on any pending cases.”
