Bill Summary for H 891 (2013-2014)

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Summary date: 

May 14 2013

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2013-2014 Session
House Bill 891 (Public) Filed Thursday, April 11, 2013
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO ALLOW THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO PETITION THE COURT TO FREEZE THE ASSETS OF A DEFENDANT CHARGED WITH FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION OF AN ELDER ADULT OR DISABLED ADULT AND TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE TO PETITION FOR THE FREEZING OR SEIZURE OF THE DEFENDANT'S ASSETS.
Intro. by Glazier, McGrady.

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Bill summary

House committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition.

Amends GS 14-112.2, providing that in cases where a person is charged with a violation that involves funds, assets, or property valued at more than $5,000, the district attorney can file a petition in the pending criminal proceeding before the court with jurisdiction over the pending charges to freeze the funds, assets, or property of the defendant in an amount up to 150% of the alleged value in the defendant's pending criminal proceeding. Provides that the standard of proof required to freeze the defendant's funds, assets, or property will be by clear and convincing evidence.

Amends GS 14-112.3, renaming the section Asset freeze or seizure; proceeding (was, Asset freeze or seizure; ex parte proceeding). Makes conforming changes, replacing "probable cause" with "clear and convincing evidence." Provides that the procedure for petitioning the court, under this section, will be governed by GS 1A-1, Rule 65, unless otherwise provided. Provides that at any time after service of the order to freeze or seize assets, the defendant or any person claiming an interest in the assets may file a motion to releases the assets (was, at any time within 30 days after service of the order). Deletes language that required the court to hold a hearing on the motion no later than 10 days from the date the motion is filed. Provides that the burden of proof in proceedings to release assets will be by clear and convincing evidence and that the State must show that the defendant is about to, intends to, or did divest himself or herself of assets in a manner that would render the defendant insolvent for purposes of restitution. If the court finds as such, the court must order the assets frozen or held until further order. Provides that if the prosecution of the charge under GS 14-112.2 is terminated by voluntary dismissal by the State or if a judgment of acquittal is entered, the court will vacate the order to freeze or seize the assets.

Provides that the effective date is October 1, 2013 (was, December 1, 2013), and the act applies to offenses committed on or after that date.