When filing a replevin suit, the plaintiff must provide evidence that they are the rightful owner of the property in question and that it was taken without justification or consent.
The Minnesota replevin statute, Minn. Stat. § 565.21 et seq., provides for the recovery of personal property either before or after a final judgment in the underlying action (e.g., for breach of contract).
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.
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 actions are a versatile tool for obtaining or regaining personal property which you have the right to possess. In Minnesota, replevin actions are also known by the more modern phrase, “claim and delivery of personal property,” and are governed by a statutory scheme found in Minnesota Statutes chapter 565.
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.
A consumer who defaults on a vehicle loan usually faces the repossession of the vehicle, but sometimes a lender will use replevin as an alternative. While repossession does not involve a formal process in court, replevin consists of getting the court to order the consumer to return the vehicle to the lender.
What happens once I file the replevin? Your case will be set for a hearing to go before a judge. An Order To Show Cause will be issued and served on the defendant, notifying him/her of the action and the date of the hearing. You will also be notified of the hearing date.
Repossession, colloquially repo, is a "self-help" type of action in which the party having right of ownership of a property takes the property in question back from the party having right of possession without invoking court proceedings.