2C:65-2. Release of stolen property prior to final determination of proceeding

a. A law enforcement agency, upon satisfactory proof of ownership of property held pursuant to this section, and upon presentation of proper personal identification, may release the property to the person presenting such proof pursuant to the provisions of subsection b. The release shall be without prejudice to the State or to the person from whom custody of the property was taken or to any person who may have a claim against the property. Any such delivery shall be noted in the book required by 2C:65-1. The person to whom the property is delivered shall sign a sworn declaration of ownership which shall be retained by the agency.

b. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a law enforcement agency from immediately returning property to its rightful owner where the agency is satisfied that there is no colorable dispute as to ownership; provided, however, that where the law enforcement agency has reason to believe that there is a dispute concerning ownership of property, or if the person from whom custody of the property was taken shall claim ownership, or if any other person shall claim ownership, the property shall not be released to any person claiming it until a hearing has been held pursuant to subsection c.

c. The court having jurisdiction over the case in which the stolen property is involved, upon application by the person from whom possession was taken, or the person claiming ownership, shall review the matter and order the property to be delivered to the person claiming ownership, or to be retained by the law enforcement agency upon a finding that the person claiming ownership of the property is not entitled thereto.

L.1979, c. 178, s. 140, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1981, c. 290, s. 51, eff. Sept. 24, 1981.