Where, pursuant to section 8 of P.L. 1999, c. 25(C.2C:21-27.1) the prosecutor has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant was convicted of a violation of P.L. 1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-23 et seq.), the court shall assess a monetary penalty as follows:
a. $500,000.00 in the case of a crime of the first degree; $250,000.00 in the case of a crime of the second degree; $75,000.00 in the case of a crime of the third degree; orb. an amount equal to three times the value of any property involved in a money laundering activity in violation of P.L. 1994, c.121 (C.2C:21-23 et seq.).c. Where the prosecution requests that the court assess a penalty in an amount calculated pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the prosecutor shall have the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence the appropriate amount of the penalty to be assessed pursuant to that subsection. In making its finding, the court shall take judicial notice of any evidence, testimony or information adduced at trial, plea hearing or other court proceedings and shall also consider the presentence report and other relevant information, including expert opinion in the form of live testimony or by affidavit. The court's findings shall be incorporated in the record, and such findings shall not be subject to modification by an appellate court except upon a showing that the finding was totally lacking support in the record or was arbitrary and capricious.