(1) A seizing agency, after consultation with the district attorney of the county in which the property was seized, must decide whether to seek forfeiture of seized property not more than 30 days after the property is seized. If the seizing agency elects not to seek forfeiture, the agency shall pay all costs and expenses relating to towing and storage of the property, and shall release the property and cause to be discharged any possessory chattel liens arising under ORS 87.152 to 87.162 that have attached to the property since the seizure. If the property is a motor vehicle with a hidden compartment, the seizing agency is not liable for any diminution in the value of the property as a result of disabling the compartment.(2) Property may be released under this section to a person other than the person from whose custody or control the property was taken if the seizing agency mails notice to the last-known addresses of all persons known to have an interest in the property. The notice shall specify the person to whom the property is to be released and shall detail the time and place of the release.
