SA to seize assets without conviction
The South Australian government has drafted new legislation that allows police to seize assets from those accused of a crime, regardless of whether or not they are found guilty. The draft follows similar bills from the Queensland and federal governments.
Police will soon have to be satisfied only that a criminal's assets were gained illegally "on the balance of probabilities" to allow them to be seized. "The current Act allows forfeiture of assets in some cases, but it doesn't go far enough," Mr Rann said yesterday. [...] Attorney-General Michael Atkinson said under existing legislation a conviction was necessary before a criminal's assets could be seized. "That means there has to be proof 'beyond reasonable doubt' that the tainted property was obtained or used in the commission of a crime," he said. "These reforms mean it will no longer be necessary to convict the offender for police to claim the assets. - The Advertiser, Assets to go before trial.