# 50 C.F.R. § 12.31 (2026): What are the basic types of forfeiture proceedings?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P12_S12_31

## Section

- **Citation:** 50 C.F.R. § 12.31 (2026)
- **Heading:** What are the basic types of forfeiture proceedings?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 50 CFR: Wildlife and Fisheries / Chapter I: UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR / Part 12: SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE PROCEDURES / Subpart C: Forfeiture Proceedings / § 12.31: § 12.31   What are the basic types of forfeiture proceedings?

## Text

(a) Property seized for violations of the laws identified in § 12.2 and subject to forfeiture may be forfeited, depending upon the nature of the property and the law involved, through criminal forfeiture proceedings, civil judicial procedures, or civil administrative procedures.
(b) The process used also may be determined in certain circumstances by the actions of an interested party. For example, a person claiming property seized in an administrative civil forfeiture proceeding under a civil forfeiture statute may choose to file a claim after the seizure rather than to pursue administrative relief through a petition for remission of forfeiture.
(c) A claim that is timely and contains the information required by § 12.36 will terminate the administrative proceeding and will cause the Service, through the Solicitor, to refer the claim to the U.S. Department of Justice with the request that a judicial forfeiture action be instituted in Federal court.

## Nearby sections

- [50 C.F.R. § 12.31 (2026) § 12.31   What are the basic types of forfeiture proceedings?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P12_S12_31.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 12.32 (2026) § 12.32   When may the Service or the Solicitor obtain administrative forfeiture of my property?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P12_S12_32.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 12.33 (2026) § 12.33   How do I file a petition for remission of forfeiture requesting the release of my property?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P12_S12_33.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 12.34 (2026) § 12.34   What are the standards for remission of forfeiture?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P12_S12_34.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 12.35 (2026) § 12.35   How will the Solicitor notify me of the decision on my petition for remission?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P12_S12_35.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 12.36 (2026) § 12.36   How do I file a claim to get back my seized property?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P12_S12_36.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 12.37 (2026) § 12.37   Can I get my property back while the claim is pending?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P12_S12_37.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 12.38 (2026) § 12.38   What happens if my property is subject to civil judicial actions to obtain forfeiture?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P12_S12_38.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P12_S12_31. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.