Deadlines

Forfeiture Deadlines Are Often Short and Strict

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Days for the Police to file

Days for your Response

Uncontested Claims

Days for gov’t to file if court pursured

Why Forfeiture Deadlines Matter

Your Resource for Navigating Civil Asset Forfeiture Procedures

– Forfeiture cases are civil proceedings, not criminal cases
– Deadlines are often set by statute, not court discretion
– Courts may treat missed deadlines as waiver or default
– Extensions are not automatic and may not be available

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Where Do Forfeiture Deadlines Come From?

Forfeiture deadlines usually arise from one or more of the following:

– A notice of seizure or forfeiture
– A statutory response period
– A court filing deadline
– Federal or state procedural rules

The source and length of deadlines vary by jurisdiction and by case.

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A Typical Forfeiture Timeline

1.

Property is seized

2.

Notice of forfeiture is issued

3.

The deadline to assert an interest may begin

4.

The case proceeds or resolves

Actual timelines depend on the law governing the seizure.

Federal and State Deadlines May Differ

Federal forfeiture cases and state forfeiture cases often follow different procedural timelines. Even within the same state, deadlines may vary depending on the agency involved.
The deadlines listed above are common in many federal cases, but your situation may differ. Local state law or agency policy can change these ranges significantly.

Find Your State’s Overview

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What Can Happen If a Deadline Is Missed

– The government may seek forfeiture by default
– Courts may limit later challenges
– Property may be disposed of or retained

No “automatically,” no “guaranteed.”

When People Often Consult a Forfeiture Attorney

Many people consult a forfeiture attorney when:

– Deadlines are approaching or unclear
– Property value is significant
– Federal forfeiture is involved
– Criminal and civil cases overlap

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This page provides general information, not legal advice. Forfeiture laws and deadlines vary by jurisdiction. If timing is unclear or property value is significant, professional guidance may help protect options.

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