The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Real Property 874 Gartel Drive, Walnut, Cal., 79 F.3d 918 (9th Cir. 1996):
The Beltrans argue that the evidence was insufficient as a matter of law to establish probable cause for the government to forfeit their residence under either of the government's forfeiture theories. The standard of probable cause to support forfeiture is similar to that required to obtain a search warrant. See United States v. One 56-Foot Motor Yacht Named Tahuna, 702 F.2d 1276, 1281 (9th Cir.1983). The government need prove only that it had reasonable grounds to believe that the property was involved in the alleged offenses, "supported by less than prima facie proof but more than mere suspicion," id. at 1282 (citations omitted), and that belief may be supported by hearsay evidence, id. at 1283.
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.