Under the Forfeiture Act, how many business days does the Forfeiture Unit have to apply for an order to show cause?

• A. 10 business days
• B. 5 business days
• C. 15 calendar days
• D. 30 days

Answer: (A)

Time limits for initiating action in forfeiture proceedings are about keeping the process moving promptly. The Forfeiture Act requires the Forfeiture Unit to apply for an order to show cause within ten business days. “Business days” means weekdays when the court is open, excluding weekends and holidays, so this is typically about two weeks. This window balances the need for swift judicial review with giving the unit enough time to prepare and file the request and notify parties involved. The alternative durations don’t fit the standard timing: five days is usually too short for proper preparation, fifteen calendar days counts weekends and holidays, and thirty days would delay immediate action. Ten business days is the correct, practical timeframe.