2013 Arizona Revised Statutes
Title 13 - Criminal Code
§ 13-4308 Commencement of proceedings

13-4308. Commencement of proceedings

A. The attorney for the state shall determine whether it is probable that the property is subject to forfeiture and, if so, may cause the initiation of uncontested or judicial proceedings against the property. If, on inquiry and examination, the attorney determines that the proceedings probably cannot be sustained or that justice does not require the institution of such proceedings, he shall notify the seizing agency and immediately authorize the release of the seizure for forfeiture on the property or on any specified interest in it.

B. If the state fails to initiate forfeiture proceedings against property seized for forfeiture by notice of pending forfeiture within sixty days after its seizure for forfeiture, or fails to pursue forfeiture of such property on which a timely claim has been properly filed by filing a complaint, information or indictment pursuant to section 13-4311 or 13-4312 within sixty days after notice of pending forfeiture or, if uncontested forfeiture has been made available, within sixty days after a declaration of forfeiture, whichever is later, such property shall be released from its seizure for forfeiture on the request of an owner or interest holder, pending further proceedings pursuant to this chapter, which shall be commenced within seven years after actual discovery of the last act giving rise to forfeiture.

C. If the property sought to be forfeited is real property, including fixtures, the attorney for the state may file a lis pendens or a notice of pending forfeiture with respect to the property with the county recorder of the county in which the property is located, in addition to any lien provided by section 13-2314.02, without a filing fee or other charge.