Section 17. Relation to criminal proceedings.
(a) Criminal proceedings, conviction or adjudications not required.--The fact that a criminal prosecution involving the drug-related criminal activity is not commenced or, if commenced, has not yet been concluded or has terminated without a conviction or adjudication of delinquency shall not preclude a civil action or the issuance of an order under this act.
(b) Collateral estopped.--If a criminal prosecution involving the drug-related criminal activity results in a final criminal conviction or adjudication of delinquency, such adjudication or conviction shall estop the convicted defendant or adjudicated juvenile from denying the essential allegations of the criminal offense in any subsequent civil proceeding brought under this act.
(c) Admissibility of criminal trial recordings or transcripts.--Evidence admitted in the criminal proceeding, including recordings or transcripts of the adult or juvenile criminal proceedings may be admitted in the civil action initiated under this act.