Section 44-14-410. Depositories of involuntary, gratuitous, or naked deposits -- Lien; authorization to open containers; notice to owner

   Except as provided in Code Section 44-14-411.1, involuntary, gratuitous, or naked depositories shall have a lien on the property in their possession for any expense incurred in caring for the property and any expenses incurred in the effort to locate the owner thereof. Where the property consists of closed trunks, suitcases, bags, boxes, bundles, packages, or other containers which do not on the outside contain marks from which the owner can be ascertained, such depositories are authorized, but are not required, to open such containers for the purpose of ascertaining, if possible, the name and address of the owner. Where the owner and his address are known, the depository is authorized, but is not required, to address a notice by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery to the owner notifying him that the depository holds the property and that the property will be delivered to the owner upon reasonable identification and payment of any charges that have accrued in caring for the property and in giving such notice.

Ga. L. 1947, p. 1165, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 915, §§ 1, 4; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1589, § 3.