Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-33-108 (2026)

• (a) Whenever in any proceeding under this part, a claim is filed for any conveyance, the court shall not allow the claim unless the claimant proves that:
  • (1) The claimant has an interest in the conveyance, as owner or otherwise, which the claimant acquired in good faith; and
  • (2) The claimant never had knowledge or reason to believe that the conveyance was used in the commission of a robbery offense under title 39, chapter 13, part 4, or felony theft under title 39, chapter 14, part 1.

• (b) Pending any proceeding to recover a conveyance seized under this part, the court may order delivery thereof to any claimant who shall establish the claimant's right to immediate possession thereof, and who shall execute, with one (1) or more sureties approved by the court, and deliver to the clerk of the court, a bond in favor of the state and for the payment of a sum double the appraised value thereof as of the time of the hearing, and conditioned further that, if the conveyance is not returned at the time of hearing, the bond shall stand in lieu of and be forfeited in the same manner as the conveyance.

• (c) Within the discretion of the court, the claimant may be awarded possession of the confiscated conveyance pending an appeal of any adverse decision; provided, that the claimant shall be required to execute a bond payable to the state in an amount double the value of the property seized, the sureties to be approved by the court. The condition of the bond shall be that the obligors shall pay to the state, through the court, the full value of the conveyance seized, unless upon an appeal the decision of the court shall be reversed and the property awarded to the claimant.

Acts 1977, ch. 81, § 3; T.C.A., § 40-4108; Acts 1992, ch. 838, § 3.