The Civil Division reviews all civil asset forfeiture cases submitted by law enforcement agencies in Pinal County pursuant to applicable state laws, which include A.R.S. § 13-4301 et seq. Cases accepted by the office are then litigated by the Division. Civil asset forfeiture serves several purposes, including: deterring persons or entities seeking to profit from crime (“racketeering”) by removing profits, weapons and property used in the commission of these offenses; reimbursing costs incurred by the government’s investigation and enforcement in these cases; making additional funding available for law enforcement training and tools as well as for qualified community projects; and can also be used to provide restitution to victims of these crimes.

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office also administers the property and funds forfeited to the state and local agencies as described above. PCAO processes requests for Anti-Racketeering Funds from governmental entities and community organizations in Pinal County according to state law. The vast majority of racketeering property and money seizures are the tools and proceeds of drug dealers and their distribution systems. The majority of Anti-Racketeering Funds are directed to law enforcement operations that keep drugs out of our County. Anti-Racketeering Funds are also available for community efforts that combat the ill effects that drugs and crime have on our youth.