West Virginia Code § 61-8C-8

Procedures for seizure of forfeitable property
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(a) Seizure of property made subject to forfeiture by the provisions of this article may be
made upon process issued by any court of record having jurisdiction over the property.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, seizure of property
subject to forfeiture by the provisions of this article may be made without process if:
(1) The seizure is incident to a lawful arrest or pursuant to a search under a search warrant
or an inspection warrant;
(2) The property subject to seizure has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the
state in a forfeiture proceeding based upon this article;
(3) The appropriate person has probable cause to belieave that the property is directly or
indirectly dangerous to health or safety; or
(4) The appropriate person has probable cause to believe that the property was used or
intended for use in violation of this chapter.
(c) In the event of seizure pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, forfeiture proceedings
shall be instituted within ninety days of the seizure thereof.
(d) Property taken or detainede under this section shall not be subject to replevin, but is
deemed to be in the custody of the appropriate person, subject only to the orders and
decrees of the court havLing jurisdiction over the forfeiture proceedings. When property is
seized under this article, the appropriate person may:
(1) Place the property under seal;
(2) Remove the property to a place designated by him or her;
(3) Require the appropriate law-enforcement agency to take custody of the property and
remove it to an appropriate location for disposition in accordance with law; or
(4) In the case of seized moneys, securities or other negotiable instruments, place the assets
in any interest-bearing depository insured by an agency of the federal government.

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