Apreendida

Apreendida is a term used in Portuguese-language legal contexts to describe an object that has been seized by authorities during an investigation or enforcement action. It is the feminine form of the adjective apreendido, and is commonly used to modify feminine nouns such as mercadoria apreendida (seized goods), veículo apreendido (seized vehicle), or dinheiro apreendido (seized money).

The seizure of assets, or apreensão de bens, is a procedural step that can be ordered by a judge or initiated by police, customs, or prosecutors as part of criminal or administrative proceedings. Its purpose is to preserve evidence, prevent the dissipation of assets, and secure potential penalties or restitution while the case is investigated and resolved.

Following seizure, the items are inventoried and placed under official custody. A chain of custody is maintained to ensure admissibility in court, and the owner or possessor is typically notified. In some jurisdictions, the seized items may be released under certain conditions or temporarily stored pending judicial decisions.

The fate of seized property depends on the outcome of the legal process. Items may be returned to their owner if the case is dismissed or if the owner is exonerated, or they may be permanently confiscated or forfeited to the state if connected to illicit activity or if civil or criminal penalties are imposed.

See also: apreensão, apreendido, direito penal, processo penal, bens apreendidos.