Initiating forfeiture proceedings -- Notice of intent to seek forfeiture.
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(1)
(a) If an agency seeks to forfeit property seized under this title, the agency shall serve a notice of intent to seek forfeiture to any known claimant within 30 days after the day on which the property is seized.
(b) The notice of intent to seek forfeiture shall describe:
(i) the date of the seizure;
(ii) the property seized;
(iii) the claimant's rights and obligations under this chapter, including the availability of hardship relief in appropriate circumstances; and
(iv) the statutory basis for the forfeiture, including the judicial proceedings by which the property may be forfeited under this chapter.
(c) The agency shall serve the notice of intent to seek forfeiture by:
(i) certified mail, with a return receipt requested, to the claimant's known address; or
(ii) personal service.
(d) A court may void a forfeiture made without notice under Subsection (1)(a), unless the agency demonstrates:
(i) good cause for the failure to give notice to the claimant; or
(ii) that the claimant had actual notice of the seizure.
(2) If an agency sends a notice of intent to forfeit seized property under Subsection 24-4-103(1), an individual or entity may not alienate, convey, sequester, or attach the property until a court:
(a) issues a final order to dismiss an action under this title; or
(b) orders the forfeiture of the property.
(3)
(a)
(i) If an agency has served each claimant with a notice of intent to seek forfeiture, the agency shall present a written request for forfeiture to the prosecuting attorney of the municipality or county where the property is seized.
(ii) The agency shall provide the request under Subsection (3)(a)(i) no later than 45 days after the day on which the property is seized.
(b) The written request described in Subsection (3)(a) shall:
(i) describe the property that the agency is seeking to forfeit; and
(ii) include a copy of all reports, supporting documents, and other evidence that is necessary for the prosecuting attorney to determine the legal sufficiency for filing a forfeiture action.
(c) The prosecuting attorney shall:
(i) review the written request described in Subsection (3)(a)(i); and
(ii) within 75 days after the day on which the property is seized, decline or accept, in writing, the agency's written request for the prosecuting attorney to initiate a proceeding to forfeit the property.