[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 21, Volume 9] [Revised as of April 1, 2001] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 21CFR1316.96] [Page 161-162] TITLE 21-FOOD AND DRUGS CHAPTER II--DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PART 1316--ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS, PRACTICES, AND PROCEDURES--Table of Contents Subpart F--Expedited Forfeiture Proceedings for Certain Property Sec. 1316.96 Ruling on a petition for expedited release of a conveyance in a judicial forfeiture action. (a) Upon receipt of a petition for expedited release filed pursuant to Sec. 1316.95, the United States Attorney shall rule on the petition within 20 [[Page 162]] days of receipt. A petition shall be deemed filed on the date it is received by the United States Attorney. (b) If the United States Attorney does not rule on the petition for expedited release within 20 days after the date on which it is filed, the conveyance shall be returned to the owner or interested party pending further forfeiture proceedings, except where it is evidence of a violation of law. Release of conveyance under provisions of this paragraph shall not affect the forfeiture action with respect to that conveyance. (c) Upon a favorable ruling on the petition for expedited release, the United States Attorney shall, where necessary, move to terminate the judicial proceedings against the conveyance and immediately direct the return of the conveyance except where it is evidence of a violation of law. (d) If, within 20 days, the United States Attorney denies the petition for expedited release, the government shall retain possession of the conveyance until the owner provides a substitute res bond pursuant to Sec. 1316.98 or the forfeiture is finalized.