Section 983(a)(1) requires that written notice of an administrative forfeiture action be sent to interested parties as soon as practicable but no later than 60 days after the date of the seizure. For interested parties determined after seizure, the written notice shall occur within 60 days after reasonably determining ownership or interest. See section 983(a)(1)(A)(v). Waivers of this notice deadline may be obtained in writing in exceptional circumstances from a designated official within the seizing agency. See section 983(a)(1)(B). The exceptional circumstances are those set forth in section 983(a)(1)(D). See Chapter 2 of the Asset Forfeiture Policy Manual and JM 9-112.210.

[updated May 2010]