29-31.1-02. Disposition of nonforfeitable property

29-31.1-02. Disposition of nonforfeitable property Seized property that is not required as evidence or for use in an investigation may be returned to the owner without the requirement of a hearing, if the person's possession of the property is not prohibited by law, the property is not forfeitable property, and there is no forfeiture proceeding filed on behalf of the seizing agency. The seizing agency shall send notice by regular mail, if the value of the property is less than two hundred fifty dollars, or certified mail, if the value of the property is equal to or greater than two hundred fifty dollars, to the last-known address of any person having an ownership or possessory right in the property stating that the property is released and must be claimed within thirty days. Notice is deemed to have been made upon the mailing of the notice. The notice must state that if no written claim for the property is made upon the seizing agency within thirty days after the mailing of the notice, the property will be deemed abandoned and disposed of accordingly. If there is more than one party who may assert a right to possession or ownership of the property, the seizing agency may not release the property to any party until the expiration of the date for filing claims unless all other claimants execute a written waiver. If there is more than one claim filed for the return of property under this section, at the expiration of the period for filing claims the seizing agency shall file a copy of all such claims with the clerk of the district court and deposit the property with the court in accordance with the provisions of chapter 32-11. If no owner can be located or no claim is filed under this section, the property is deemed abandoned and the seizing agency becomes the owner of the property and may dispose of it in any reasonable manner.