§ 1316.96 - Ruling on a petition for expedited release of a conveyance in a judicial forfeiture action.

(a) Upon receipt of a petition for expedited release filed pursuant to §1316.95, the United States Attorney shall rule on the petition within 20 days of receipt. A petition shall be deemed filed on the date it is received by the United States Attorney.

(b) If the United States Attorney does not rule on the petition for expedited release within 20 days after the date on which it is filed, the conveyance shall be returned to the owner or interested party pending further forfeiture proceedings, except where it is evidence of a violation of law. Release of conveyance under provisions of this paragraph shall not affect the forfeiture action with respect to that conveyance.

(c) Upon a favorable ruling on the petition for expedited release, the United States Attorney shall, where necessary, move to terminate the judicial proceedings against the conveyance and immediately direct the return of the conveyance except where it is evidence of a violation of law.

(d) If, within 20 days, the United States Attorney denies the petition for expedited release, the government shall retain possession of the conveyance until the owner provides a substitute res bond pursuant to §1316.98 or the forfeiture is finalized.