Minnesota § 609.5313 - FORFEITURE BY JUDICIAL ACTION; PROCEDURE

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.5313 — FORFEITURE BY JUDICIAL ACTION; PROCEDURE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 609.5313. FORFEITURE BY JUDICIAL ACTION; PROCEDURE

(a) The forfeiture of property under sections 609.5311 and 609.5312 is governed by this section. A separate complaint must be filed against the property stating the act, omission, or occurrence giving rise to the forfeiture and the date and place of the act or occurrence. Within 60 days from when the seizure occurs, the prosecuting authority shall notify the owner or possessor of the property of the action, if known or readily ascertainable. The action must be captioned in the name of the prosecuting authority or the prosecuting authority's designee as plaintiff and the property as defendant. Upon motion by the prosecuting authority, a court may extend the time period for sending notice for a period not to exceed 90 days for good cause shown.

(b) If notice is not sent in accordance with paragraph (a), and no time extension is granted or the extension period has expired, the appropriate agency shall return the property to the person from whom the property was seized, if known. An agency's return of property due to lack of proper notice does not restrict the right of the agency to commence a forfeiture proceeding at a later time. The agency shall not be required to return contraband or other property that the person from whom the property was seized may not legally possess.

History:

1988 c 665 s 13; 2010 c 391 s 13; 2012 c 128 s 26

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.5313

What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.5313 cover?

Section 609.5313 ("FORFEITURE BY JUDICIAL ACTION; PROCEDURE") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Minnesota § 609.5313?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.5313" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Minnesota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.

How does Minnesota § 609.5313 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.