Property Seizure Legal Process

Summary

In Virginia, retrieving seized property typically requires filing a demand and attending a court hearing. If delays occur, consider filing a motion to compel the court to set a hearing date. With a durable power of attorney, you can act on behalf of others in property matters. Obtain necessary documents from the court clerk, including those showing the case was nolle prosequi, to support your demand. Consulting with a local attorney can provide additional guidance.

Full Conversation

My friends (* brothers) had a search warrant for their residence (Patrick County, Virginia) last year, and law enforcement seized everything they had.. vehicles, clothes, rugs, etc., they didn't even leave a screw driver behind.
Hi ****, I'm sorry to hear about your friends' situation. Did the search warrant specify the items to be seized, or was it a general warrant? This information will help determine if the seizure was conducted lawfully.
It was general warrant. So, this was in September of *. In December *, the charges that stemmed from the search warrant were nolle prosequi.
Hi ****, thanks for the additional details. Here is some general information about general warrants and the nolle prosequi process:
- General warrants are usually considered unconstitutional as they do not specify the items to be seized.
- Nolle prosequi means that the prosecutor has decided to discontinue the charges.
Since this occurred in Patrick County, Virginia, I recommend consulting with a local attorney to explore the possibility of retrieving the seized property and any potential civil rights claims.
The Commonwealth's attorney office sent out a letter notifying them that they had to file a demand for the return of their seized property in January * within 21 days or it would be considered forfeited. A demand for the return of the seized property was filed within the 21 days. My friend has called quite a few times to check on the status of the demand, and keeps being told that we are just waiting for a court date to be set to return the property. It's been a year, and no court date has been set. What do we need to do? What's the next step? We have consulted attorney's on the matter, but they don't seem to be much because they don't seem to know what they are talking about
Hi ****, I understand your frustration. Here are a few steps your friends can consider:
- File a motion to compel with the court to expedite the setting of the court date.
- Contact the court clerk directly for updates on the case status.
- Consider consulting another attorney for a second opinion.
Would you like contact details for the nearest court in Patrick County, Virginia?
No, I am familiar with them. What is the standard procedure for the return of seized property in Virginia
Hi ****, here is the standard procedure for the return of seized property in Virginia:
- File a demand for the return of seized property within the specified timeframe.
- The court will set a hearing date to review the demand.
- At the hearing, property will be returned if there is no legal reason to retain it.
For further assistance, make sure to keep in touch with the court clerk for updates.
Does it have to go to court to get the property back? Or can I formally submit a request for Patrick County Sheriff's Office to immediately release the seized property over to the rightful owners
Hi ****,
In Virginia, the return of seized property typically requires a court order. Here are the steps:
- File a demand for the return of seized property.
- The court sets a hearing date.
- A judge reviews the demand and orders the property returned if appropriate.
Have you tried contacting the court clerk for updates on setting a hearing date?
Yes, we were told the transcriber sets the court date
Hi ****, it sounds like you've taken all the necessary steps so far. Here are a few additional suggestions:
- Request a meeting or a call with the transcriber to understand any delays.
- File a motion to compel the setting of the court date.
- Continue to consult with an attorney for further legal advice.
Is there any other specific information you need?
I have durable POA stating I can act on their behalf on matters pertaining to their property. I am authorized to also ensue civil action on their behalf. Can I handle this matter myself? The brothers are really good at this type on stuff
Hi ****,
With a durable POA granting you authority over their property and civil actions, you can handle this matter on their behalf. Ensure you have all necessary documentation and consult with an attorney to assist with filings if needed. Have you considered filing a motion to compel?
What necessary documents would I need
Hi ****,
To handle the matter yourself, you may need the following documents:
- Durable Power of Attorney (POA)
- Demand for the return of seized property
- Any correspondence with the court or sheriff's office
- Motion to compel (if filing one)
Would you like more details on how to file a motion to compel?
More
Hi ****,
To file a motion to compel, you will generally need the following:
- Durable Power of Attorney (POA)
- Demand for the return of seized property
- Any correspondence with the court or sheriff's office
- Draft of the motion to compel
Steps for filing a motion to compel:
*. Draft the motion, stating the request clearly.
*. Attach relevant documentation.
*. File the motion with the court clerk.
*. Serve the motion to all relevant parties.
Would you like more detailed steps on drafting the motion?
Yes please. Also, how can I obtain copies of these documents
Hi ****,
Here are the steps to draft the motion to compel and obtain document copies:
Drafting the Motion to Compel:
*. **Title and Heading:** Include the court name, case number, and parties involved.
*. **Introduction:** Briefly state your reason for filing the motion.
*. **Background:** Provide a detailed history of the case, including the demand for return and the lack of a court date.
*. **Argument:** Explain why the court should compel action, citing any legal grounds.
*. **Conclusion:** Request the court to set a hearing date.
*. **Signature:** Sign and date the motion.
Obtaining Document Copies:
- **Durable POA:** Obtain a certified copy from the issuing authority.
- **Demand for Return:** Request a copy from your friends or the attorney who filed it.
- **Correspondence:** Collect all relevant emails or letters.
- **Court Documents:** Request copies from the court clerk.
Would you like more detailed information on drafting any specific section of the motion?
Can I get the copies that was filed with the clerk at the clerks office
Hi ****,
Yes, you can obtain copies of documents filed with the court clerk. Here’s how:
- Visit the court clerk’s office in person.
- Provide the case number and your identification.
- Request the specific documents you need copies of.
- Pay any applicable copying fees.
Would you like more detailed steps or information?
Yes
Hi ****,
Here are the detailed steps for obtaining copies from the court clerk's office:
*. **Visit the Clerk’s Office:**
- Go to the court clerk’s office in person.

*. **Provide Information:**
- Give the case number and your identification.

*. **Request Documents:**
- Specify the documents you need (e.g., demand for return, correspondence).
*. **Pay Fees:**
- Pay any necessary copying fees.
Would you like more information on any of these steps?
Should I request the documents for the case itself, showing it was nolle prosequi
Hi ****,
Yes, it would be helpful to request documents showing the case was nolle prosequi. Here’s why:
- It confirms the discontinuation of charges.
- It can support your demand for the return of property.
- It helps clarify the current status of the case.
Would you like more information on how to request these documents?
Yes
Hi ****,
Here are the steps to request documents showing the case was nolle prosequi:
*. **Visit the Clerk’s Office:**
- Go to the court clerk’s office in person in Patrick County, Virginia.
*. **Provide Information:**
- Give the case number and your identification.

*. **Request Specific Documents:**
- Ask for documents related to the case's nolle prosequi status.

*. **Pay Fees:**
- Pay any necessary copying fees.
Would you like more details on any of these steps?