Sex Offenders’ Property Soon May Be Subject to Seizure in Tennessee

Police may soon be able to use the law to seize the homes, cash, cars and other property of people convicted of sex crimes. The possibility of losing one's belongings is one of the consequences that can follow a sex crime conviction, which is why taking allegations of sex offenses head-on is important.

Tennessee Prosecutors Argue for Seizure

A Cumberland County man was recently convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor. The offender was sentenced to eight years in prison for the hundreds of images found on his computer.

District attorney York argued for the seizure of $31,000 from the offender's estate. The money was obtained from a foreclosure sale on his home. The motion was successfully argued in Tennessee. An appeal is pending.

Property Seizures in Other Crimes

The way the law will work is similar to the way the law works currently for drug offenses. Police will confiscate the property after the arrest. Then, after a conviction on criminal charges, the prosecutor will have the opportunity to argue for the property to be liquidated to benefit victim's groups.

Once liquidated through a foreclosure sale or auction, the funds will go the state. The state will then issue grants to groups that apply. These groups must show that the funding will go to help victims of the crimes.

Proceeds to Benefit Victims

The new uses of the seizure laws give prosecutors special new tools to get a financial benefit in child sex offense convictions. Court-appointed advocacy groups praise the new provisions because public interest groups are always tight on funding and these new laws will help child sex abuse victims get the support and help they need to recover.

Further reading: Traveling as a Sex Offender