§ 14-298. Seizure of illegal gaming items. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 14‑298.  Seizure ofillegal gaming items.

Upon a determination thatprobable cause exists to believe that any gaming table prohibited to be used byG.S. 14‑289 through G.S. 14‑300, any illegal punchboard or illegalslot machine, or any video game machine prohibited to be used by G.S. 14‑306or G.S. 14‑306.1A, or any game terminal described in G.S. 14‑306.3(b)is in the illegal possession or use of any person within the limits of theirjurisdiction, all sheriffs and law enforcement officers are authorized to seizethe items in accordance with applicable State law. Any law enforcement agencyin possession of that item shall retain the item pending a disposition orderfrom a district or superior court judge. Upon application by the lawenforcement agency, district attorney, or owner, and after notice andopportunity to be heard by all parties, if the court determines that the itemis unlawful to possess, it shall enter an order releasing the item to the lawenforcement agency for destruction or for training purposes. If the courtdetermines that the item is not unlawful to possess and will not be used inviolation of the law, the item shall be ordered released to its owner uponsatisfactory proof of ownership. The foregoing procedures for release shall notapply, however, with respect to an item seized for use as evidence in anycriminal action or proceeding until after entry of final judgment.  (1791, c. 336, P.R.; 1798,c. 502, s. 2, P.R.; R.C., c. 34, s. 74; Code, s. 1049; Rev., s. 3720; C.S., s.4435; 1931, c. 14, s. 4; 1973, c. 108, s. 11; 2000‑151, s. 5; 2004‑199,ss. 47(a), 47(b); 2004‑203, s. 20(a); 2007‑484, s. 3(a); 2008‑122,s. 2.)