Understanding Forfeiture of Seized Property in Oklahoma
Hello, I’m OKC business attorney Dillan Savage with Wirth Law Office, and I primarily practice in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area.
Today, we’re going to talk about what happens to seized property when the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture takes possession of it. This usually occurs when someone has violated the Oklahoma Agricultural Code or used property in connection with the theft of livestock.
When the Department of Agriculture seizes property, they initially hold it for a period of time to use as evidence. Once that period has passed, they will initiate forfeiture proceedings by filing in district court, seeking to have the property or any seized money forfeited to the State of Oklahoma, and possibly to the Department of Agriculture itself.
The Legal Notification Process
The department is required to provide proper legal notice to anyone who has a legal interest in the property or money. This notice may be served:
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- Personally, by a process server or sheriff,
- Or, if the individuals with an interest are unknown, through legal publication in accordance with Oklahoma law.
Once the legally required notice period has passed, the Department may move forward with its request for forfeiture. If no one with an interest files an objection, the court is likely to grant the forfeiture request without further proceedings.
That’s why it’s important: if you receive notice and you have a valid legal interest in the property or funds, you must file an objection in a timely manner. Failing to do so may result in the automatic loss of your property.
Seeking Legal Assistance
It is always wise to consult with an attorney if you’re involved in forfeiture proceedings or if you’ve received notice. If you found this video helpful or believe it could help someone else, please visit TheOklahomaCityAttorney.com.
Contact Us for a Low-Cost Consultation
I’m Oklahoma City attorney Dillan Savage with Wirth Law Office—thank you for watching. For expert legal advice regarding property seizure, call us at 405-888-5400 to schedule your low-cost consultation today!
