Australian Capital Territory Numbered Acts Australian Capital Territory Numbered Acts(1) A thing seized under this part must be returned to its owner, or reasonable compensation must be paid to the owner by the Territory for the loss of the thing, if—
(a) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is not begun within 90 days after the day of the seizure; or
(b) if a prosecution is begun within the 90 days—the court does not find the offence proved.
(2) A thing seized under this part is forfeited to the Territory if a court—
(a) finds an offence relating to the thing to be proved; and
(b) orders the forfeiture.
(3) If subsection (2) (a) applies, but the court does not order the forfeiture of the thing seized, the chief executive must return the thing to its owner or the Territory must pay reasonable compensation to the owner for the loss of the thing.
(4) For subsections (1) and (3), if the
thing seized was a fruit, vegetable or other plant that has deteriorated or
perished since it was seized, the owner is entitled to reasonable compensation
for the deterioration or loss.