A. A law enforcement agency that holds seized property shall return the seized property to the owner of the property within a reasonable period of time that does not exceed five days after:

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Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 31-27-10

  • Acquittal:
    1. Judgement that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
    2. A verdict of "not guilty."
     
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:

(1)     a court finds that a person had a bona fide security interest in the property; (2)     a court finds that the owner was an innocent owner;

(3)     the acquittal of or dismissal of related criminal charges against the owner of the property; or

(4)     the disposal of the criminal charge that was the basis of the forfeiture proceedings by nolle prosequi.

B. A law enforcement agency that holds seized property is responsible for any damages, storage fees and related costs applicable to property that is returned to an owner pursuant to this section.