Define 'proceeds' in asset forfeiture.

• A. Proceeds are assets obtained from, or used to commit, a crime; money derived from illegal activity, or assets traced to crime.
• B. Proceeds are only cash obtained from illegal activity.
• C. Proceeds are future earnings from a business not tied to crime.
• D. Proceeds are government funds seized during investigations.

Answer: (A)

Proceeds in asset forfeiture refer to assets that come from criminal activity or are used to commit that crime, including money derived from illegal activity and assets traced to crime. This definition covers not only cash but also other property obtained with illicit funds, as well as assets purchased or obtained with those funds. It also includes assets that were used to facilitate the crime. The other options are too narrow or misdirected: proceeds are not limited to cash alone, not future earnings from a legitimate business unrelated to crime, and not government funds seized during investigations.