Legal Question in Criminal Law in Arizona

Very good question. The answer is "not necessarily". If the government believes there is enough evidence that the money was drug money, they can move to forfeit it. But for this to happen and for it to have already happened your friend should have received notice, and often it is part of the plea agreement. And, the government may not believe there is enough evidence to convict on the related charge, since in a criminal case the burden of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt." However, in a forfeiture "proceeding" the burden of proof is lower since it is considered a civil proceeding. I suggest your friend contact the lawyer that represented him and ask these questions of him/her, get his/her help in seeking the return of the money. The law on this issue is complex so the applicable circumstances need to be assessed and reviewed by an attorney.