§ 40-14. Forfeiture petition; notice.

(a) Filing; copies to parties in interest.

If the Solicitor determines that the vehicle should be forfeited, the Solicitor shall, within 90 days after the seizure of the vehicle:

(1) file a forfeiture petition in a court of competent jurisdiction, in the name of the City against the vehicle, as designated by make, model, year, and motor or serial number; and

(2) at the same time, send copies of the petition by registered or certified mail to the owner and any known secured party.

(b) Contents.

The petition for forfeiture shall contain:

(1) the name of the registered owners of the vehicle;

(2) the name of any secured party whose interest appears among the records maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City;

(3) a statement of the facts and circumstances surrounding the seizure of the vehicle;

(4) a statement of the specific grounds for forfeiture; and

(5) a request that the vehicle be forfeited to the City.

(c) Publication of notice.

(1) Within 7 days of the petition's filing, the Solicitor shall publish notice of the seizure and forfeiture proceeding in 1 or more newspapers of general circulation in the City.

(2) The notice shall:

(i) state the substance and object of the forfeiture petition; and

(ii) state that any person claiming an interest in the seized vehicle must file a defense to the petition within 15 days of the date of the notice.