§3114 Return of Seized Property and Suppression of Evidence; Motion—(rule)

Summary

Lets a person whose stuff was taken by federal agents ask a court to get it back and to keep anything seized from being used as evidence. The person who lost the property, or someone who has a right to it, can file the request in the court where the search or seizure happened or where a criminal case is going on. If the property is in another district, the person can ask the court where it is kept. The judge can hold a hearing and decide. The court must return the property unless the government shows a legal reason to keep it, such as the item is illegal to possess, is tied up in a forfeiture, or is needed for a criminal investigation or trial. If a criminal case is still ongoing, the judge may delay return until after the case is finished.