Property under seizure and pending forfeiture may not be utilized for any reason by Department personnel, including for official use, until such time as the final order of forfeiture is issued.

Likewise, Department personnel may not make such property available for use by others, including persons acting in the capacity of a substitute custodian, for any purpose prior to completion of the forfeiture. However, court authority may be sought for use of seized property, after consultation with the United States Marshals Service, in situations such as the seizure of a ranch or business where use of equipment under seizure is necessary to maintain the ranch or business. See Chapter 5 the Asset Forfeiture Policy Manual ("Use of Seized Property by Department of Justice Personnel").

[updated May 2010]