(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prejudice the rights of a bona fide owner of a vehicle, air or water craft, or other conveyance to have it returned to his or her possession upon proof that he or she had no knowledge that it was being used or was to be used for the illegal transportation of alcoholic beverages or alcohol, provided he or she enters an appearance before the court has entered a judgment of forfeiture.

(b)(1) If, following a hearing, the person in charge of a vehicle, air or water craft, or other conveyance is determined not to be its owner and no person has claimed it, the hearing shall be continued to a date certain and the taking of the vehicle, air or water craft, or other conveyance and the date of the adjourned hearing shall be advertised in a newspaper published in the town or county where it was taken or, if there is no newspaper published in the town or county, in a newspaper having circulation in the county, once a week for three successive weeks.