Forfeiture Proceedings (To be given before supplemental evidentiary proceedings or supplemental arguments of counsel) is a legal process where the government can take away the property of a person or organization that has been used for illegal activities. This process is regulated by federal and state laws and can include seizure of assets such as money, real estate, and vehicles. The purpose of forfeiture proceedings is to ensure that those who commit crimes are not able to benefit financially from their actions. There are two types of forfeiture proceedings: civil and criminal. In civil forfeiture proceedings, the government must prove by a preponderance of evidence that the property was involved in a crime. The property owner is not required to be convicted of a crime in order for the property to be forfeited. In criminal forfeiture proceedings, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the property was used to commit a crime in order for it to be forfeited. In both types of proceedings, the government must provide notice to the property owner prior to the forfeiture and provide an opportunity for the owner to contest the forfeiture. Forfeiture proceedings are typically held before supplemental evidentiary proceedings or supplemental arguments of counsel. The purpose of these proceedings is to provide an opportunity for the property owner to present evidence and arguments in support of their case. The court then makes a decision whether the property should be forfeited.