This law outlines the procedures for initiating a forfeiture action in Virginia when property is seized due to a violation of law. It specifies how to file an information in court, who can file it, and the proper venue for such cases. The law also details the required contents of the information and the timeline for filing.
A forfeiture action is initiated by filing an information in the circuit court's clerk's office, naming all known owners and lienholders, and describing the property involved.
The information can be filed by the attorney for the Commonwealth or the Attorney General upon request, in the name of the Commonwealth.
The case should be filed in the county or city where the property is located, seized, or where the owner or person in custody could be prosecuted.
The information must be filed within three years of the actual discovery of the property by the Commonwealth.