After taking property, the State has 30 days to file the case with the court. If the property was taken by Federal agents (such as the FBI, DEA, or IRS) and then turned over to the State, the 30-day clock starts running when the property is given to State law enforcement. If the State does not file within the 30-day time period, you are entitled to the return of your property. The State is required to let you know through the mail or in person when it has filed a suit against your property. Letting you know through the mail or in person is called Serving Notice.