2017 US Code
Title 18 - Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Part I - Crimes
Chapter 10 - Biological Weapons
Sec. 176 - Seizure, forfeiture, and destruction
18 U.S.C. § 176 (2017) |
§176. Seizure, forfeiture, and destruction |
(a) In General.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Attorney General may request the issuance, in the same manner as provided for a search warrant, of a warrant authorizing the seizure of any biological agent, toxin, or delivery system that— (A) pertains to conduct prohibited under section 175 of this title; or (B) is of a type or in a quantity that under the circumstances has no apparent justification for prophylactic, protective, or other peaceful purposes. (2) In exigent circumstances, seizure and destruction of any biological agent, toxin, or delivery system described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) may be made upon probable cause without the necessity for a warrant. (b) Procedure.—Property seized pursuant to subsection (a) shall be forfeited to the United States after notice to potential claimants and an opportunity for a hearing. At such hearing, the Government shall bear the burden of persuasion by a preponderance of the evidence. Except as inconsistent herewith, the same procedures and provisions of law relating to a forfeiture under the customs laws shall extend to a seizure or forfeiture under this section. The Attorney General may provide for the destruction or other appropriate disposition of any biological agent, toxin, or delivery system seized and forfeited pursuant to this section. (c) Affirmative Defense.—It is an affirmative defense against a forfeiture under subsection (a)(1)(B) of this section that— (1) such biological agent, toxin, or delivery system is for a prophylactic, protective, or other peaceful purpose; and (2) such biological agent, toxin, or delivery system, is of a type and quantity reasonable for that purpose. |
(Added Pub. L. 101–298, §3(a), May 22, 1990, 104 Stat. 202; amended Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330010(16), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2144; Pub. L. 107–188, title II, §231(c)(3), June 12, 2002, 116 Stat. 661.) |
AMENDMENTS
2002—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 107–188 substituted "pertains to" for "exists by reason of". 1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–322 substituted "the Government" for "the government". |
United States Code, 2012 Edition, Supplement 5, Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE |
Bills and Statutes |
United States Code |
Y 1.2/5: |
Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE PART I - CRIMES CHAPTER 10 - BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS Sec. 176 - Seizure, forfeiture, and destruction |
section 176 |
2017 |
January 12, 2018 |
Yes |
standard |
104 Stat. 202 108 Stat. 2144 116 Stat. 661 |
Public Law 101-298, Public Law 103-322, Public Law 107-188 |