Germany

Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB)

GENERAL PART

CHAPTER THREE
SANCTIONS

SEVENTH TITLE
CONFISCATION AND DEPRIVATION ORDERS

Section 74e
Effect of deprivation

(1) If the deprivation of an object is ordered, title to the property or the right ordered deprived shall pass to the state once the order becomes final.

(2) The rights of third parties in the object remain unaffected. The court shall order the cessation of these rights if it bases the deprivation on the fact that the conditions of section 74(2) No 2 are met. It may also order the cessation of the rights of a third party if no compensation is due to him pursuant to section 74f(2) Nos 1 or 2.

(3) Section 73e(2) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the order of deprivation and the order deferring deprivation before they have become final.

Section 74f
Compensation

(1) If a third party had title to the property or to the right ordered deprived at the time the decision on deprivation or destruction became final or if the object was encumbered by a right of a third party which was extinguished or prejudiced by the decision, the third party shall be adequately compensated in money from the public treasury, taking into consideration the fair market value.

(2) Compensation shall not be granted if

1. the third party at least with gross negligence contributed to the property or the right being the object of or being used for the act or its preparation,
2. the third party acquired the objects or the right dishonestly with knowledge of the circumstances that would have allowed their deprivation, or
3. it would be lawful under the circumstances which justified the deprivation or destruction, to deprive the third party permanently of the object and without compensation on the basis of provisions outside the criminal law.

(3) In cases under subsection (2) above the court may grant compensation to the extent that it would constitute an undue hardship to deny it.

Keywords

Non-prejudice to the rights of bona fide third parties in the enforcement of forfeiture orders



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