Virginia § 19.2-386.5 - Release of seized property
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 19.2-386.5 — Release of seized property, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19.2-386.5. Release of seized property
At any time prior to the filing of an information, the attorney for the Commonwealth in the county or city in which the property has been seized pursuant to Chapter 22.2 (§ 19.2-386.15 et seq.) or other provision under the Code may, in his discretion, upon the payment of costs incident to the custody of the seized property, return the seized property to an owner or lien holder, without requiring that the owner or lien holder post bond as provided in § 19.2-386.6, if he believes the property is properly exempt from forfeiture pursuant to § 19.2-386.8.
At any time after the filing of an answer or upon default, on motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth or a vulnerable adult, the court may order the return of property to the vulnerable adult upon a showing that the property is the subject of a violation of § 18.2-178.1 or traceable to such a violation and is properly exempt from forfeiture pursuant to § 19.2-386.8.
Any property seized and returned pursuant to § 19.2-386.36 shall not require the payment of costs or the posting of a bond.
1989, c. 690; 2002, cc. 588, 623; 2004, c. 995; 2012, cc. 283, 756; 2025, c. 160.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 19.2-386.5
What does Code of Virginia § 19.2-386.5 cover?
Section 19.2-386.5 ("Release of seized property") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. 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 Virginia § 19.2-386.5?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 19.2-386.5" (Virginia). 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 Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 19.2-386.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia 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 Virginia.