Title: What happens to evidence once a police case is closed? - Quora
Headings: What happens to evidence once a police case is closed?
What happens to evidence once a police case is closed?
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Will the police let me know when an investigation is closed?

Content: Felonies may take several years or be held indefinitely. Once evidence is no longer needed it may be returned to the lawful owner, destroyed or auctioned for sale with the proceeds going to the state literary fund or some similar vehicle prescribed by statute. Evidence used at a tri
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The short answer is, it depends upon the type of case and the type of evidence you have a question about. Cases that are inactive due to a lack of available investigation leads are not technically closed until the statute of limitations has been reached. Most misdemeanor evidence can be disposed of after one (1) year. Felonies may take several years or be held indefinitely. Once evidence is no longer needed it may be returned to the lawful owner, destroyed or auctioned for sale with the proceeds going to the state literary fund or some similar vehicle prescribed by statute. Evidence used at a trial in court faces a similar option of return to the owner, destruction, or submitted for sale (surplus auction). As an example, a stolen firearm recovered from a burglary suspect may be returned to the lawful owner either by the law enforcement agency or the court as appropriate. Another example might be seized drugs which would likely be destroyed.