FAQs • Campbell, CA • CivicEngage

Why does it take so long for me to get my property back?: Property booked in as evidence of a crime is held for 120 days past the date of sentencing for felony cases and 75 days for misdemeanors (if an arrest has been made). The Investigator or District Attorneys office may authorize the release of property earlier. However, this is on a case by case basis and the final decision must be approved by the D.A. and/or Investigations supervisor. If no arrest is made, evidence may be held for the statute of limitations or upon approval of the Officer and Investigations Sergeant. The Property/Evidence Specialist does not have the authority to release evidence on any open case.

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Property & Evidence

1. If I find a bicycle and turn it in, can I later claim it?: Yes. By law, if the owner does not claim it or we are not able to locate the owner after 90 days, the finder may claim the bicycle.

2. If I find and turn in any other property (i.e. money, jewelry, etc.) may I later claim it?: Yes. Except for firearms and illegal items any other property turned in as found property may be returned to the finder. There is a 90 day waiting period during which the owner may claim lost property. After 90 days has passed, the reporting party (finder) may claim the property. If the value of the property is over $250, the finder is responsible for placing a notice in the newspaper regarding the found property. If the item is not claimed by the owner within 7 days of the notice, the finder may claim the property. For additional clarification, please contact the Property/Evidence Specialist at 408-866-2183.

3. Why must I make an appointment to claim my property?: Appointments are scheduled so that the Property/Evidence Specialist can be made available to handle your case on a one on one basis without interruption. The Property/Evidence Specialist may be in court, transporting evidence to the Crime Lab, or viewing evidence with an attorney.

4. I have a court order that requires the Campbell Police Department to return my property, why do I still need an appointment?: By law, the Campbell Police Department is allowed 10 days to return property upon receipt of a court order. This allows the investigating officer to be notified of the order and to determine if the property is still needed for the investigation. If so, the Investigator may contact the court and notify a judge why the property should remain in the custody of the Campbell Police Department. The judge then makes a determination whether the property should be returned or remain in police custody.

5. Why does it take so long for me to get my property back?: Property booked in as evidence of a crime is held for 120 days past the date of sentencing for felony cases and 75 days for misdemeanors (if an arrest has been made). The Investigator or District Attorneys office may authorize the release of property earlier. However, this is on a case by case basis and the final decision must be approved by the D.A. and/or Investigations supervisor. If no arrest is made, evidence may be held for the statute of limitations or upon approval of the Officer and Investigations Sergeant. The Property/Evidence Specialist does not have the authority to release evidence on any open case.