Settlements to forfeit property are designed to conserve the resources of both the claimants and the government in situations where justice will be served.
Through equitable sharing, any state or local law enforcement agency that directly participates in a law enforcement effort that results in a federal forfeiture may either request to put tangible forfeited property into official use or an equitable share of the net proceeds of the forfeiture.
The primary benefit of administrative forfeiture is to avoid burdening the courts with judicial actions when no one contests the forfeiture of the seized property.
The Asset Forfeiture Program's primary goals are: To punish and deter criminal activity by depriving criminals of property used in or acquired through illegal activities. To promote and enhance cooperation among federal, state, local, tribal, and foreign law enforcement agencies.
Typically, forfeiture funds are available to help cover plan expenses, or they can be recycled and used as future employer contributions.
Grants can be awarded for a wide-variety of activities, such as innovative research and development, housing, student support, and infrastructure building. Most federal funding goes to state and local governments, which in turn may sub-award funds to local entities, such as eligible nonprofit organizations.