Replevin actions are common and fall into two types of action: if immediate possession of the property is sought and if the party filing the action is content to wait for an adjudication of final rights.
“Replevin” is a process whereby seized goods may be restored to their owner. In a replevin case, the Plaintiff claims a right to personal property (as opposed to real property/real estate) which has been wrongfully taken or detained by the defendant and seeks to recover that personal property.
You will not go to jail. You have 21 days to respond to the complaint. However, the 21 days on the clock do not start to run until you are actually served with the summons by the process server.
Replevin is an action seeking return of personal property wrongfully taken or held by the defendant. In exchange for the personal property, the plaintiff in the action pledges a security and is allowed to hold the property until the case is resolved by the court.
The Complaint: The complaint in replevin typically must include: (i) a description of the property to be replevied; (ii) its value; (iii) its location if known; and (iv) the material facts upon which the claim is based – in other words, why the filing party is entitled to seize the property that has been taken.
The process of starting a replevin action usually begins with filing a complaint. It also requires filing an affidavit in the county or district court where the property is. The affidavit: States that the plaintiff claims rightful ownership or entitlement to possession of the property.
The Complaint: The complaint in replevin typically must include: (i) a description of the property to be replevied; (ii) its value; (iii) its location if known; and (iv) the material facts upon which the claim is based – in other words, why the filing party is entitled to seize the property that has been taken.
For example, a bank might file a replevin action against a borrower to repossess the borrower's car after he missed too many payments. Replevin can also refer to a writ authorizing the retaking of property by its rightful owner (i.e., the remedy sought by replevin actions).