Third-Party Rights, Innocent Owner Claims and Victim Interests in Forfeiture

Course overview

Forfeiture rarely involves only the state and the offender. Banks hold charges over property, spouses claim a share of the home, buyers say they paid in good faith and victims want their money back. How these claims are handled shapes both the fairness and the value of recovery. This third party rights in forfeiture course prepares practitioners to deal with them properly.

Participants examine the legal protection given to third parties in criminal and civil forfeiture, and the tests courts apply to innocent owner, bona fide purchaser and secured creditor claims. They learn to identify third-party interests early, give proper notice, test claims through evidence, and distinguish genuine interests from sham claims made by relatives and associates. The course also covers victim interests: restitution and compensation orders, priority between victims and the state, and practical processes for verifying and paying victims in large fraud and investment scam cases.

Participants leave able to manage third-party and victim claims fairly, efficiently and in a way that protects legitimate recovery.

What you will be able to do

• Explain the legal protection of third parties in forfeiture proceedings
• Identify third-party interests early and give proper notice
• Apply the tests for innocent owner, good faith purchaser and secured creditor claims
• Distinguish genuine claims from sham claims by associates
• Plan restitution and compensation for victims
• Design fair processes for verifying and paying large numbers of victims

Who should attend

For lawyers and asset recovery officers who handle claims by third parties and victims in forfeiture proceedings.

• Prosecutors and state counsel
• Legal officers in asset recovery agencies
• Asset management office officers
• Judicial officers
• Bank legal and recoveries staff
• Victim support officers

Course outline

Fees are per participant in US dollars and cover tuition, course materials and your certificate. Travel and accommodation are not included.