Filling out the Michigan CIS-14 form, which is a critical step in claiming seized property from law enforcement custody, requires careful attention to detail. A common mistake is the inaccurate reporting of the incident number and seized property descriptions. This discrepancy can lead to significant delays or the outright rejection of the claim. Each item claimed must be described comprehensively, including the manufacturer, make, serial number, and, if applicable, the denomination and amount of money.
Another area where errors frequently occur is in the valuation of the seized property. Claimants often either underestimate or overstate the value, which impacts the bond amount required for the claim. The form mandates a bond of 10% of the property's value, with a minimum of $250.00 and a maximum of $5,000.00. Incorrect bond amounts can invalidate the claim or lead to further legal complications.
The specific details regarding the seizure location and the law enforcement agency involved are crucial yet often mishandled details. Failing to provide accurate information on the Location to Post Bond and the Address Where Seized fields can lead to the misrouting of documents or misunderstandings about jurisdiction, which in turn delays or jeopardizes the claim process.
Many claimants overlook the significance of properly identifying their interest in the property. The form requires a clear statement of the claimant's relationship to the seized items, which is essential for establishing legal standing to claim the property. Vague or inaccurate descriptions of interest can be grounds for dismissing a claim.
Incorrect or incomplete contact information is another frequent error. Claimants must provide both a work and home phone number, ensuring there are open lines of communication. The absence of correct and complete contact details can significantly hamper the claim process, especially when quick responses are needed.
A critical section that often sees compliance issues involves the claimant's agreement to the conditions regarding forfeiture and costs. By signing the CIS-14 form, the claimant agrees to cover all costs and expenses should the property be ordered forfeited. Misunderstanding or neglecting this commitment can lead to unexpected financial obligations.
The privacy and confidentiality note regarding the Social Security Number (SSN) is another aspect that claimants handle incorrectly. The form specifically states that SSN disclosure is protected by the federal Privacy Act, yet some claimants fail to provide this information due to privacy concerns, not realizing its importance in identifying their claim uniquely.
Last but certainly not least, the timely and correct signing and dating of the form are steps that are easily overlooked but critically important. Failing to sign or date the form properly can render the entire claim void, as it suggests that the claimant does not agree to the terms set forth or has not provided all required information as of the indicated date. This oversight is a simple but fatal error that can prevent the reclaiming of seized property.