Crimes and Land Usage?!?
If I own a property that I rent out or allow someone to live for free on and they commit a crime (eg. Marijuana growing) can I be charged with any type of crime even though this activity is going on without my knowledge?
Answers:
You wouldn't get charged with anything. But under the draconian new "civil asset forfeiture" laws, your land could be seized and then you'd have to pay huge court fees (up to about 10% of the value of the property) and prove you had no knowledge of what was going on before you would get it back. Not an easy task.
The possibility exists, but it's not likely that you would be charged. If you had no knowledge of it, the charges would likely be dropped.
Short answer is no, but you could have complications.
As landlord you should be checking your property often to insure such activity is not taking place
I dunno, ask Micheal Vicks, the Atlanta Falcons QB, he owns property in Virginia, and claims he knows NOTHING about the dog fighting business being run on it ( he was arraigned in court in Richmond, VA today, AAMOF ... ), so I wouldn't put the possibility that they would want to know why you're not watching your rental property. If you're out of state, then maybe. Vicks was known to be involved, though, so that's why he is getting whacked with charges. If you are in CA, and own land in VA, and have a 3rd party manage your property, there's no way you could be held accountable if you never visit. Micheal Vicks visits his property, no doubt. Never hurts to find out what your liabilities are in any situation,though.
- The Gremlin Guy -
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