Sec. 29B-25. Return of property, damages, and costs.

403 words·~2 min read·/il/chapter-720/act-5/29b-25

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)The law enforcement agency that holds custody of property seized for forfeiture shall deliver property ordered by the court to be returned or conveyed to the claimant within a reasonable time not to exceed 7 days, unless the order is stayed by the trial court or a reviewing court pending an appeal, motion to reconsider, or other reason.

(b)The law enforcement agency that holds custody of property is responsible for any damages, storage fees, and related costs applicable to property returned. The claimant shall not be subject to any charges by the State for storage of the property or expenses incurred in the preservation of the property. Charges for the towing of a conveyance shall be borne by the claimant unless the conveyance was towed for the sole reason of seizure for forfeiture. This Section does not prohibit the imposition of any fees or costs by a home rule unit of local government related to the impoundment of a conveyance under an ordinance enacted by the unit of government.

(c)A law enforcement agency shall not retain forfeited property for its own use or transfer the property to any person or entity, except as provided under this Section. A law enforcement agency may apply in writing to the Director of the Illinois State Police to request that forfeited property be awarded to the agency for a specifically articulated official law enforcement use in an investigation. The Director shall provide a written justification in each instance detailing the reasons why the forfeited property was placed into official use and the justification shall be retained for a period of not less than 3 years.

(d)A claimant or a party interested in personal property contained within a seized conveyance may file a request with the State's Attorney in a non-judicial forfeiture action, or a motion with the court in a judicial forfeiture action for the return of any personal property contained within a conveyance that is seized under this Article. The return of personal property shall not be unreasonably withheld if the personal property is not mechanically or electrically coupled to the conveyance, needed for evidentiary purposes, or otherwise contraband. Any law enforcement agency that returns property under a court order under this Section shall not be liable to any person who claims ownership to the property if it is returned to an improper party.