2006 Code of Virginia § 19.2-386.9 - Appearance by owner or lien holder

19.2-386.9. Appearance by owner or lien holder.

Any person claiming to be an owner or lien holder of the named property mayappear at any time within thirty days after service on him of notice toappear or on or before the date certain set forth in any order of publicationunder 8.01-317 or such longer time as the court in its discretion may allowto prevent a miscarriage of justice. Any person without actual orconstructive notice of the forfeiture proceedings claiming to be an owner orlienholder may appear at any time before final judgment of the trial courtand be made a party to the action. Such appearance shall be by answer, underoath, which shall clearly set forth (i) the nature of the defendant's claim;(ii) the exact right, title or character of the ownership or interest in theproperty and the evidence thereof; and (iii) the reason, cause, exemption ordefense he may have against the forfeiture of the property.

(1989, c. 690; 1991, c. 560.)